1960s Jacques Heim Haute Couture Yellow Chiffon Column Dress

Outstanding haute couture chiffon column dress by Jacques Heim circa 1958 -1963. A timeless billowy style and the perfect shade of sunshine yellow. Featuring a bow detail to both the front and back, the dress hangs loosely all the way down - perfect for warm summer months. It fastens with a zip and hook and eye closure down the back seam, and a further set of four poppers attached to the chiffon itself to conceal the zip from view. The back bow loop can also be attached to the dress over the zip, creating an effortless and flowing effect. The straps are made of the same warm yellow chiffon material as the skirt, and are around an inch wide. The skirt itself has a lovely weight to it, and is lined in a complimentary shade of lighter silk to match the exterior of the dress.

This is a wonderful example of the couturier's playful and colourful designs. Heim is often eclipsed by better known designers from the era whose fashion houses remain intact, namely due to licencing perfume and cosmetics products. The dress is in excellent overall vintage condition with no faults, holes or tears seen to the chiffon fabric. It can be worn with care by a UK size 8 or US 4.

Notes on Designer:

Jacques Heim, who founded his fashion house in 1930, was famous for his daring styles and early conception of the two piece swimsuit. During 1958-1962 he was the president of the highly influential Paris Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and a period which also coincided with the world of Parisian couture shifting to the new world of ready to wear. Notable clients included Bridget Bardot, who modelled some of his first bikinis, and Sophia Loren, Queen Fabiola of Belgium, Mamie Eisenhower and Gloria Swanson.

MEASUREMENTS:

BUST: 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
WAIST: 27 in. ( 68.58 cm )
HIP: 34 in. ( 86.36 cm )
LENGTH: 52 in. (132.08 cm )