#7165 $1,800
Lanvin/Castillo jeweled evening jacket & obi sash, c.1950
While working in New York as a designer for Elizabeth Arden from 1945-1950, Antonio del Castillo also did costume designer for the New York City Opera as well as several Broadway stage productions. He would later return to theatrical design, winning the 1971 Academy Award in costume design for the film Nicholas and Alexandra.
Castillo joined the House of Lanvin as head couturier in 1950, when Lanvin was known for magnificent embroideries. Drawing on his Spanish heritage, Castillo gilded the Lanvin reputation by using jewel-encrusted embroideries rendered in vivid colors. A certain theatrical dash became his trademark.
This superb evening ensemble is a noteworthy example of the Castillo style. The bold design, which would show well on stage, is still completely within the realm of elegant couture. The kimono-style jacket and obi sash are fashioned from turquoise silk organza.
Both pieces are richly embroidered with metallic gold braid, silver sequins, glass beads, and glittering rhinestones. The jacket is lined with ivory silk chiffon. Both pieces are completely hand finished in the couture manner. The obi sash has eight silk-covered bones to hold the shape around the waist.
With a dramatic Art Nouveau motif, this masterpiece from Castillo-Lanvin captures the thrilling rediscovery of glamour and elegance in fashion in the post WW2 period. You will not be wearing this outfit for a casual party at home. It is meant for the one major social event of the year or as the centerpiece of your couture collection.
The label reads "Jeanne Lanvin Paris", one of the great couture names of the last century. Displayed in my 1930s-1950s Gallery, the outfit is among the best I have had. Because of revived interest in Antonio del Castillo, I have decided to offer the outfit to my valued clients.
The condition is almost excellent. There are patches of faint fading on the jacket, especially across the shoulders. This is reflected in the price. Without the fading, the jacket would sell for $3000. Our dramatic couture jacket displays beautifully as is.
The jacket has a circumference of 56" and is 23" long from the shoulder to the hem. The obi sash measures 28" around the waist.
