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Vintage 1966 Arnold Scaasi Couture For Mitzi Gaynor Beaded Strapless Gown & Cape

About the Item

An important and absolutely gorgeous Arnold Scaasi custom-made gown ensemble for Mitzi Gaynor, worn to the 1966 Academy Awards. Scaasi started his career designing for Charles James in the 1950's. He opened his own ready-to-wear business with $2,000 in savings and sold his clothes to more than 200 retailers. By 1963, he became an early victim of the fashion churn, growing tired of designing more than 12 collections a year. He decided to close his ready-to-wear and open an elite couture house in New York to cater to his private clients. Over the years, his client list grew to include such icons as Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Mary Tyler Moore and Jacqueline Kennedy. This ethereal ensemble, we are so honored to be offering, was a custom commission for the Oscars from Mitzi Gaynor herself! It was a very special night because she performed the Best Song Nomination, Georgy Girl from Georgy Girl. He created the prettiest strapless dress with a blush-pink silk lining to match her skin tone. I love the ribbon detail right under the bustline and dramatic high to low sculpted hemline. The beautiful sheer tulle overlay represents days of couture hand-beading at the highest level. Just look at the firework bursts of silver sequins, paillettes and iridescent shell-shaped baubles. The matching cape truly looks like it was sent from heaven. The satin bow closures works so well with the gown. This sparkling ensemble definitely reminds me of the sheer sequined bell-bottom set he created for Barbra Streisand when she won the Best Lead Actress award for "Funny Girl" in 1969. These early American designer commissioned pieces are rare, as they were not mass produced and were incredibly expensive to make. This is such a stunning museum worthy piece of fashion and celebrity history that will instantly become a favorite in your collection. Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 25 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Length top to waist: 10 inches Length waist to hem (shortest): 25 inches Length waist to hem (longest): 46 inches This Arnold Scaasi custom made gown for Mitzi Gaynor is in excellent condition with no stains or alternations. Presents beautifully. Extraordinary attention to construction and detail clearly created for an important event. Perfectly working original zippers. Only minor signs of age are wear to the inside bodice lining, some missing beadwork, a few minor holes to the back tulle which look to be from her heel and what feels to be some tape residue on inner hemline. COA from Christie's Unforgettable: Fashion of the Oscars. Highly wearable and an investment piece that will only continue to increase in value.

Designer:
Arnold Scaasi
Brand:
Arnold Scaasi
Dimensions:
Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)
Style:
1960's (Of the Period)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1960-1969
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Beverly Hills, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU30913222372
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