Marchesa silk crepe evening dress, c.2004The Marchesa look was inspired by the society icon of the 1920s, Marchesa Luisa Casati. The superbly crafted, vintage-inspired designs have been favorites of celebrities and socialites since Marchesa's debut in 2004.
Derived from 20th century classics, Marchesa designs never really go out of style. If you already own a Marquesa, it will remain part of your wardrobe forever.
This elegant evening dress in classic black features a 1930's-style draped cowl neckline, both in front and back. The cap sleeves and cummerbund are embellished with Victorian style faceted jet beads. The dress closes on the side with a concealed zipper.
The dress is fashioned from heavy weight rayon crepe. The fluid shape is achieved by self lining the skirt, giving it substantial body. The bodice is lined with rayon/acetate crepe. The sensual elegance of the silhouette, the epitome of 1930's glamour, reflects the high society seductiveness of the historical Marchesa Luisa Casati.
Marchesa takes its name from the unconventional clotheshorse and party girl, Italian aristocrat Marchesa Luisa Casati (1881-1957), who sounded a bit like a proto-Paris Hilton when she intoned: “I want to be a living work of art.” In a 1928 letter, Rebecca West writes from the Isle of Capri to a friend: "There is a marvelous red haired Marchesa Casati...She used to come down to the Piazza in tartan pantalettes designed by Poiret..."
