PATRICIA RHODES One-of-a-Kind Made to Order Lipstick Red Satin and Black Velvet Ball Gown. Strapless Torso is Black Silk Velvet encrusted with Hand Set Swarovski French Jet Crystals. Wide Matching Jewelled Belt - 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 showroom 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 the Ball Gown. This is a Black Silk Velvet Bodice completely encrusted with French Jet Faceted Stones. Each stone has an individually pronged setting. The bodice is boned and made with a built-in bra The decolletage is shaped to best show your figure and hide any flaws. Rear Zipper Huge Billowing Silk Taffeta Skirt with Black Shaped inlays of arcs and squiggles covering the entire skirt It is LIPSTICK Bright Red and Jet Black Two Black Crinolines and a black silk lining under the skirt The black silk lining also finishes the interior of the top of the dress. There is a slender black velvet rolled ribbon edging to bridge the top and the skirt So you can use the important belt or decide not to wear it. The belt is 3" wide and made of the skirt fabric with a heavy filler inside, so that the belt does not roll when worn The huge clasp is rectangular and encursted with all kinds of jet beading including matte leaves at the corners It is approximately 5" Square and the belt is attached with 3 large hooks The size can be adjusted by moving the hooks for your comfort. It measures 31" fastened, but can be loosened upto 3" or tightened as necessary. Although marked a Size 10 - only the bustline and waistband dimensions count. This is a true ball gown. Approximately 36" - 38" bust ( but I cannot seem to measure inside the bra) Waistline measures 30 1/2"Hemline is about 230" at hemline, skirt is cut completely on a bias Bodice is 10 1/2" Long from waist to highest point above the chest 43" Long skirt Should you want to remove some of the crinolines that is easily done. Because of all of the fabric and the heavy Swarovski Black Glass stones, this is a heavy weight dress. I could not manage to dress the mannequin myself.
This dress & Jacket was made for a Beverly Hills 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.
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
