The Chanel Cruise collections have an interesting history. Gabrielle Chanel actually sailed and her love of the sport led to her inception of a 'cruise' collection in the 1920s. She was not the first to come up with this concept but hers were among the first to show a complete collection in a fully fledged show. They eventually fell off in popularity and it was not until Karl Lagerfeld took over Chanel that the cruise collections started again.

A one shoulder version of this dress walked the runway that season for Look 36. This was a very successful collection and was lauded by critics. Vogue said that 'It was like something out of a quintessential Riviera movie.... And like the carefree starlets and jet-setters they were channeling, the models traipsed down the street-cum-runway often barefoot, wearing seventies-ish diaphanous caftans, long crocheted dresses, ruffle-lapelled silk jersey trouser suits, and patchwork denim skirts.' They noted that 'Key, of course, is that lightness of touch, the sense of enjoyment and ease. And with fashion once again experiencing a 1970's revival, the show also ended up feeling—as Lagerfeld's Chanel outings often do—very much of the moment.' And the location choice? Karl said the location was a personal choice "I spent many years of my life here," he said. "I know Saint-Tropez like I know Paris. The collection is very casual, very down-to-earth." Of course only Karl and Chanel would think a gold knit ribbon dress is casual, to the rest of us this is an incredibly glamorous dress.

The dress is so beautiful. For all the talk of the seventies influence on this collection this one definitely has a nod to the twenties, a decade that Karl often touched upon. The base of the dress is made out of a knit that combines a natural deep linen shade cord that has a gold metallic thread woven through it with a gold grosgrain ribbon. These two fabrics are what make up the whole of the dress. For the bodice, and parts underneath the ribbons parts, the two fabric are woven into a chunkier knit and the final effect is gorgeous. The weave is set vertically and then where each panel of vertical ribbons starts there is a band of that same woven knit applied horizontally. Between the panels are gold ribbons hung vertically and caught up at both ends. Interspersed with those is the same cord that was used to create the base. These together and strung like they are create this magical straw and raffia feel that gives the dress depth and movement. There are two rows of that stacked on top of each other with the top one not as wide as the one that goes around the hips. Under the bottom row the ribbon and cord are allowed to fall to the hem like a long fringe. So when you move these create incredible movement as they swish and swoop around you. I feel like this one is more flattering then the runway version was. It gives more shape and definition whereas the runway one added bulk through the middle to me. This one just falls over you and is super easy to wear and just a really interesting and unique dress. The gold gives it that added glam factor and you could easily wear this for day with sandals and then go all out for an evening look. It would even make a great bridal piece for the bride not looking for something traditional or as a dress for an event surrounding the ceremony. It is just incredible. Excellent condition

Fully lined an a stretch lingerie feel jersey that makes it very comfortable to wear. No closures, it just slips on. Tagged a 38 but it does have stretch. I have given the comfortable range of measurements below. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little.

Bust: 16.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4027

Reference Photo/Video: Chanel 2011 Chanel Runway Collection, Look 36. Model: Sara Blomqvist.

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