2010 Ralph Lauren Runway Metallic Floral Silk & Black Sheer Tulle Hourglass Mermaid Gown

ID: 0913262

Size: small

Condition: excellent

This spectacular 2010 fall/winter Ralph Lauren metallic floral silk and black sheer tulle hourglass mermaid gown comes from a collection that showed a wonderfully unexpected side of the legendary American designer. Drawing inspiration from a romantic bohemian aesthetic, Lauren layered florals, lace and rich textures throughout the collection, even sending the models down the runway to a Stevie Nicks soundtrack. Presented as Look 49 and modeled by Valentina Zelyaeva, this exceptional dress was one of the eveningwear standouts. 

The figure-flattering gown contours the body from the bust through the waist in an hourglass shape. It dramatically opens into a floor-length mermaid skirt that pools around your feet and extends into a sweeping train. Narrow straps frame the shoulders, while the sweetheart neckline gives the bodice a beautifully feminine shape. Angled sections of tulle cross the torso with subtle ruching worked into the seams, creating a chic diagonal line. Inside, an attached boned bustier provides hidden support and structure. The back dips low across the shoulder blades, and a concealed side zipper keeps the finish uninterrupted. The choice and use of fabric truly make this gown extraordinary. Two sheer layers of black silk chiffon are scattered with painterly bouquets of coral, crimson and pale yellow roses among soft green leaves. Woven metallic-gold roses emerge between the blossoms, catching the light as you move and giving the textile an almost antique richness. Beneath the chiffon is a layer of tulle that adds volume, followed by a comfortable silk lining with a horsehair hem to give the sweeping skirt enough structure to hold its shape. The exterior has two distinct layers of soft black tulle that give the skirt its incredible dimension. The first layer begins at the dropped waist and is cut at varying lengths around the skirt, revealing more of the floral chiffon in some areas while veiling it in others. A separate wide band of tulle wraps horizontally around the hips and thighs, tacked at various points so that the fabric gathers and ruches into loose folds as it travels around the body. The end result is breathtaking, with every angle revealing something new. From Ralph Lauren’s coveted purple-label, this gown is the pinnacle of American luxury. This masterpiece is also a fabulous documented example from a very memorable collection. It has the romance of another era, yet on the body it feels undeniably modern.