#6870 $650
Victor Costa evening dress, 1970s-1980s
Victor Costa, king of the fashion copycats, is known for exquisite adaptations of Paris couture. Women who do not want to spend over $30,000 for couture are thrilled to get the look without the hefty price.
Costa has gained respect in fashion as a designer with a sixth sense for trends. Deciding which designs to adapt to the mass market is an art in itself, as I learned as a print designer when I worked on 7th Avenue.
The statuesque evening dress of midnight blue velvet is accented with contrasting bands of navy satin across the bodice. The bands dip down to the waist in back. Below the waist, the satin is sculpted into a dramatic, flared train.
The upper bodice and long, narrow sleeves are of matching organza. The inspired use of blue velvet makes a memorable impression. Midnight blue was featured in Alber Elbaz' recent Lanvin collection, a sober yet luxe hue suited for the times.
Except for the sheer upper top and sleeves, the dress is completed lined with matching synthetic. The satin train is reinforced with stiffening to hold the shape. The dress closes in back with a coil zipper and hooks.
The condition is almost excellent. There is a small mend near the hem of the lining. The mend does not show when the dress is worn.
It measures: 36" bust, 28" waist, 40" hip, 15 1/2" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 23 1/2" sleeve length, and 61" from shoulder to hem.
