This form-fitting bustled evening gown reflects both Elsa Schiaparelli’s (1890–1973) propensity for dramatic silhouettes and her use of plaid for day and evening wear. In its August 6, 1947, report on the Paris openings, Women’s Wear Daily noted that “plaids are played up for day and night” at Schiaparelli. Here, she used the Ducharne gray, brown, and eggplant-colored silk faille-and-satin plaid on the bias to sculpt the torso and upper front thighs, emphasizing these smooth curves with a deep, gathered flounce at the lower front skirt and prominent back fullness. The same dress in a gray Ducharne silk, photographed on the imposing staircase at the Paris Opéra, is illustrated in the December 1947/January 1948 issue of Femina. 

Full-length evening dress of plaid silk (brown, gray, and aubergine compound silk satin and faille) by Ducharne in the "ecossais" (Scottish) style. Low square neckline with high Empire-style self pleated bust, extending into short cap sleeves terminating in capelet effect at rear; princess-style skirt tightly fitted through waist to knees, fullness at hem introduced from rear panels forming bustle by widening into large godets; CB zipper. Label: Schiaparelli / 21. Place vendôme Paris; hand numbered bolduc # 89532[?] (last number illegible)

Very good condition. Extremely minor discoloration to the silk along bottom and back of skirt. Otherwise very good to excellent condition.