In the oversized photo portfolio for the 1997 Chanel Cruise Collection there is an all black version of this dress shown on the last page where the entire collection is shown in thumbnails. It was only produced in black and in this white for the shops as far as I am aware. Karl Lagerfeld shot the entire collection himself for the portfolio and ad campaign that year using only model Guinevere Van Seenus. That same shot was also used for the Chanel ad campaign that year. This makes this dress an extra wonderful little piece of Chanel's history. It is so rare to find any information on the earlier cruise collections and I was very pleased to have found these photos for this dress.

Besides its fascinating history the dress is gorgeous. It is made out of a crisp white fabric that has a very fine waffle weave texture running over it. This little added texture elevates the white and gives it a slightly nautical feel. The dress slips on and buttons down the front to close, overlapping and then closing with the double row of buttons. I love how each button is engraved with the CC logo and is done in a matching white. The collar is large and oversized. It is cut on a graceful curve that sits wide over the tops of the shoulder but leaves the arms bare. The bodice is meant to skim over you to the waist. The waist is brought in through vertical seaming so it is accented but without it being too fitted and tight. It skims over the hips and then gently widens out as it nears the hem. A bit of an opening is left between the hem and the last button. You can see in the ad shot how this allows your leg to show when you sit and it would do the same to a lesser degree when you walk. The back is scooped low to reveal a bare expanse of skin that peeks out from under the collar. It is a gorgeous piece and a wonderful example of Karl's earlier work. This would make an amazing piece to work into a wedding weekend, to take on a vacation, or simpler to wear to look fresh and chic on a bright sunny day. Great condition with a minor note below. 

Fully lined in a white silk that has little double cc embossed throughout. It buttons to close as described above. Tagged a Chanel 38. This dress has an easy soft feel to it. The fabric has softened a touch and it has some press marks on the seams. It is still in amazing condition but priced far lower then it would be otherwise. A slight scuffing here and there and very slight grubbiness here and there. All very minor 

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3914

Reference Photos: (1) Guinevere van Seenus by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel 1996-1997 Cruise Collection portfolio image  /   (2) Chanel Cruise Collection ad 1996/1997.

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