1990s Scaasi Off the Shoulder Silk Floral Dress

Arnold Scaasi was known for his high-end occasion wear and exceptional clientele of Royal Women, First Ladies, film starlets, singers, socialites and celebrities. This dress is a great example of his work during the late 1980s to early 1990s and is exceptionally well made. The fabric is a silk jacquard with an almost painterly floral print of red and orange with green foliage against a black background. The jacquard has a petal weave within the fabric that compliments the floral print.

With a deep V plunge, there are concealed, elasticated shoulder straps to allow the wearer more grip at the shoulders. The dress can also be worn off the shoulder with the three-quarter length sleeves having elaborate ruching to gently taper in the fabric on the forearms. That ruching mirrors the crossover design of the bodice with a left to right criss-cross of pleating that drops into the wide gathered skirt. It has a decorative double bow over the left hip. The dress fastens to the rear with a concealed zipper and is beautifully lined in black silk organza. It has a further quality silk lining that has a reinforced hemline to create volume in the lower portion of the skirt. There's also an attached net flounce for additional volume.

The label on the inside lining states the size as a US 10 and professional dry clean only. The dress was retailed in Neiman Marcus, which befits the luxury of this garment as such elaborate construction and attention to detail is rarely seen in modern fashion. In fabulous vintage condition, no issues of any note and a modern best fit for up to a UK 12 or US 8.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Waist - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Hip - 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Length - 37.5 in. (95.3 cm)
Shoulders - 44 in. (111.8 cm)