Marc Vaughan is one of the lesser know Couturiers that launched his label in 1953 and then re-named it in his own name the year after. He began solely as a couturier and in 1957 expanded to offer a pret-a-porter line. He concentrated on the European market in the early days only expanding into America in 1963 where his work was sold in New York through the Hattie Carnegie House. In 1966, the year that this set is from he 'used and grouped together the cubes, the pyramids, the squares, the rectangles, the obelisks ... He created there his most authentic creation based on angular forms inspired by the eye of a geometer.' This is also the collection where he showcased his cubic pants, pants that are seamed like these are so that they fall in a more square shape around the leg. We found a photo of a similar pant to this one and we were also able to find one reference photo of a similar set to this. I like this one with its stark silver contrast even better. It is just exceptional and you will never see another.
This is a fabulous set that is truly something you will only ever find in vintage. It showcases perfectly that mod feeling of the mid-sixties while also representing the extravagances of couture during this time period. The set is two pieces, a metallic silver pant and a tunic with open sides. The tunic is a masterpiece and I love the fabric. It combined and embroidered black and silver thread on a white silk organza. Each of those black and silver designs that you see are individually added to the base and have a 3D feel to them as they sit on the fabric. Big silver flowers are added over the tunic and each is secured in place by more of the silver thread. It runs straight down and over the body at the front and the back and then the two sides are attached with four wide bands of silver lame. It is open down the sides between the bands. The tunic is just long enough that you could wear it as a dress if you dared which adds another element to its wearability. You could also layer it over other things to get more looks. This tops a pair of silver lame pants and the fabric is an early version of it. It is more like fabric that has been coated with silver then the lame we are more used to now. These are cut with that amazing seaming that lets them sit in a box shape around the outer leg. They are simple in cut with a high waist and flat front. It is quite genius and a gorgeous set that illustrates the leaps and bounds that couture was taking during this time period. Excellent condition with minor notes below.
The top is lined in a silk organza and the pants are lined in a lingerie weight netting. The tunic closes with a back zipper and the pants also zip to close. There is some minor wear on the pants. I see slight rubbing of the silver in the edges of the waistband and there is minor discoloration to the inner lining. The inside lining of the tunic shows some grubbiness and the edges of the silver have the same very minor rubbing here and there. It presents perfectly when on.
Tunic
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 28" from top of shoulder to hem
Pants
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39.75" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 29.5" from waist to hem
Gusset: 13.5"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD4093
Reference Photo: Model wearing Marc Vaughan Couture, 1966.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
