This amazing set is the twin of the piece that walked the runway for the Fall 2004 collection. Vogue said of this collection; 'Trust Karl Lagerfeld to rise above the cacophony of questions about the relevance of haute couture. At Chanel, he floated an argument that insouciantly covered the issues and showed what couture can be now: a beautifully thought-out, long-term investment that also addresses our multitasking world. “This is reality couture,” he said.... Though fully of the twenty-first century, his best pieces were also timeless Coco-isms: of the moment, yet guaranteed to outlast this and many seasons to come.' This set is just that. A completely timeless and beautiful suit that will never go out of style. True Haute Couture pieces by Chanel are an extraordinary find as they are so very rare and hard to come by. It is an incredibly beautiful and historically important example of the work that Karl was doing for Chanel during this time period. It is absolutely gorgeous to see in person.

The versatility of this set comes from a few elements. First of all it is made from a classic black and white boucle that will never go out of style. Then you have the fact that is made from two pieces. A chic and simple dress along with an amazingly perfectly cut jacket that goes over top of that. This all adds up to make these pieces very versatile. You can mix and match both pieces and wear them in so many different ways together or apart. Even just a change in colour of the accessories and shoes that you wear are going to make either piece look completely different. Both of the pieces are made from a stunning black and white version of the Chanel signature boucle fabric. The dress is edged with a fringe made of the two wools that circles around the hem, arms and neckline. When the two pieces are worn together this extra little detail softens the feel of the set and gives it a pretty and romantic touch. The inner dress is cut in a sleek and simple shift that skims over the body and has a more pencil skirt cut. Clever and subtle seams shape the dress around you so that it's very flattering. It is hand lined in a rich black silk. The jacket slips over that and has structured shoulder pads for shape and the sleeves are long. It has meticulous seaming that creates that famous Chanel box cut. It closes down the front with carved out metal buttons. The collar is neat and high. There are two shallow flap pockets that sit one atop of the other at the front. I love the contrast of the very structured jacket with the softness of the dress underneath. The jacket is lined in that same extremely high-quality black silk as the dress and there is a signature Chanel chain set around the hem. This is a classic Chanel set that will never go out of style and it is exceptional. The fact that it is true Haute Couture is just the icing on the cake. It is meticulously made to the highest standards. It is a beautiful piece showcasing the work that the Chanel ateliers are capable of and of Karl's time there. Excellent condition.

Both the dress and the jacket are fully lined in a fine black silk. The dress closes with a back hidden set zipper. The jacket closest with the buttons down the front that you see. All four pockets on the jacket are shallow but functional and all but one still has their tacking in place. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The jacket has an appropriate Haute Couture label and numbered tape present. Both pieces are completely made by hand

The Chanel boucle is created with their proprietary method of weaving that they themselves describe as "by weaving the warp and weft, using a variety of different kinds of threads which creates a unique and somewhat irregular appearance. The warp – vertically strung – is the background of the fabric, the base that will support the assembly of materials. There can be up to 12 different threads used for a single warp. The weft – woven horizontally – gives the fabric its unique character and can have an unlimited number of threads. Tight, perforated, textured, thick, with a relief, plaited, random, twill… the potential number of effects is endless". This technique gives you that classic Chanel look.

Jacket
Sleeve: 24"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from neck to hem

Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38.5" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4148

Reference Photos: Fall 2004 Chanel Couture Runway, Look 9. Model: Audrey Marnay.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.