PATRICIA RHODES One-of-a-Kind Made to Order Black Velvet Matador Style Jacket. Black Silk Velvet encrusted with hand set Swarovski French Jet Crystals and elaborate Passementerie with Exotic silk tassels, too. BRAND NEW - Size 10-12.
Patricia Rhodes is an autodidact with bulletproof confidence who ticks off her accomplishments with impressionistic strokes. She taught tailoring while studying business in college, built her own couture house with downstairs design factory, developed an elaborate computer-aided design system. Resist the temptation, however, to label hers a cinchy American Dream story. True, as a virtual unknown she did elbow her way into--and Donna Karan out of-- the Gold Coast Fashion Show award in 1985, catapulting her into the prestige and status of haute couture. Eventually, Patricia's more conventional designs were retailed by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Marshall Fields, before she opened her own retail with a sweeping Loretta Young-inspired staircase. But by 40, life felt lopsided; dreams of motherhood had eluded her. But determination did not. Aided by sperm donor and surrogate, harmony eventually was restored. Her atelier is a happy concession to her new balancing act. At 49, Rhodes wraps her hands around a sticky 4-year-old's dungarees and an elegant beaded number with equal deftness.
PATRICIA RHODES PROWSE famed Chicago based couture designer, Patricia Rhodes whose original creations sell for multi-Thousands. Her River North Salon was the destination for fashionistas seeking special pieces for special occasions. Ms. Prowse is one of America’s top fashion designers specializing in Haute Couture special occasion dresses. Her designs "accentuate the female form" to feel feminine and extremely special. She was selected as one of fourteen designers to be featured in an Absolut Vodka campaign for the Bazaar magazine. In 1981 she began selling her creations under her company, Patricia Rhodes & Co. She is among the elite fashion awardees like Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta, Bill Blass and Richard Tyler. In 1996 she was awarded "Designer of the Year" by the Apparel Industry Board and in 1999 "Manufacturer of the Year" award by the Chicago Manufacturing Center. In 2000, Ms. Prowse opened a retail couture atelier and works directly with clients who come miles for her creations. This one is one of her couture creations.
This extraordinary gown came to me as a Gown with Matching Jacket. They were ordered separately as a special order at PATRICIA RHODES, but to be worn as an ensemble. Together, they take my breath away. But, they do work as separate entities, and at this price point, I'll give you the option of purchasing both pieces or only just one. Here is a Jacket made with the opulence expected for a Maharajani or a Matador.
This is a rich Black Silk Velvet Jacket. Accented with the most lavis of Passementerie, Tassels and Lace. The Frog button Closures are also made of Hand Rolled Passementerie. The inlay between the accent detailing is completely beaded with Swarovski Faceted French Jet. Each jet stone is hand set with a hand-pronged setting. The very center motif are the rolled passementerie petals making 3 leaf clover with a center jet stone. The jacket is completely black with no other color addition. Completely lined in black fine silk. The shoulders feature encrusted epaulettes outlined with a heavy silk rolled Passementerie and a Tassel over the shoulder. The jacket has built-in Shoulder pads, and needs them to outline the strength of the jacket. The Sleeves feature the same detailing as the Yoke and hemline. The hand beaded sleeves are shaped and begin at the elbow and end at the cuffline. Made in USA 100% Black Silk Velvet. Size 10. BRAND NEW. Button Frog Front - but looks as great worn open Particularly when worn with the matching gown The styling and detailing of this jacket is more-OSCAR DE LA RENTA than OSCAR himself. He would be green with envy looking at this amazingly decorative jacket. With more plush, elan and attitude. This jacket reaches below waist level and creates a little peplum which is the look of this season It can be worn with black velvet trousers or with a "Little Black Dress" for a different effect. I LOVE this jacket so much, it is a true struggle for me to sell it. Unfortunately my social life is no longer what it once was, nor is my figure. as you can see that this was finished completely by hand. Back of Jacket from Neckseam to Hem is 21 1/2",24" Long Sleeves, Back Shoulder Measurement 17" from Seam to Seam. Bustline Measures 41", Hemline measures 38".
This dress & Jacket was made for a Beverly woman for a very special charity event, of which she was the chair. Unfortunately, illness struck, and she didn't attend the ball, and the dress was never worn. It is BRAND NEW. The dress alone cost $20,000.00. The matching "Matador" Jacket was over $22,000.00. If I didn't know that this came from the atelier of Patricia Rhodes, I would guess, that it was OSCAR DE LA RENTA Couture, Or perhaps GAULTIER on a Spanish Mission. This is an absolutely magnificent Evening Gown, as only a true coutouriere can design. This is runway couture including a little subtle razzle dazzle. A perfectly elegant & Soignee Gown & Matching Jacket from the Special to the EXTRAORDINARY.
Because of the coloration and fabrication we love this as a Fall-Winter Mother of the Bride Ensemble. Or for the Female CEO of the year Gown. This is the perfect way to add to your spectacular wardrobe Please don't forget the Dress - each can be worn separately, but together, jaws will drop
