LEONARD PARIS 1980s Black Knit Shift Dress w/Asian Floral Print & Tie Belt SZ L

It's extraordinary to find an exquisite vintage Leonard Paris dress in pristine condition and with its matching tie belt present. Dating this dress was tricky, but "Made in Italy" on the label places the dress in the latter 1980s when production moved from France to Italy. The signature silk jersey fabric has an Asian influence in the style of its floral print and the soutache frogs that partially close the neckline. (Leonard has almost always had Japanese collaborators and is actually more popular there than in the West.) The dress is a shift style with long, set-in sleeves and a metal zipper in back. The neckline, cuffs, and hemline are trimmed in a smaller scale version of the dress fabric. The dress is unlined. There are no fabric or size labels in the dress, but the fabric is well-known to be a silk knit. The measurements put the dress in the 10-12, or Large, size range. Review the photos carefully because they too are part of the description. MEASUREMENTS* - Underarm chest measurement is 40" - Waist is 40" - Hips are 40" - Shoulder width is 18" - Length is 43" down center back. *Do not rely only on the size label orestimated size to determine fit. Always compare actual measurements with a similar garment that fits you. CONDITION New without tags in unworn condition. (Note: Both pre-owned modern and vintage garments may show minor signs of use even when no significant flaws are present. Actual color may vary somewhat from the color on your monitor.)