Description
There are a few quintessential, iconic Isaac Mizrahi pieces, and this tartan dress is one of them. The dress is from Mizrahi's F/W 1989 collection, known as the "Extreme Kilt" dress, it takes the design principles of the traditional kilt skirt, and applies them to a masterpiece of a strapless gown.
This tartan dress is strapless, and made of cashmere. It is held together with the interior structure - a full lining and boned bodice that hug the curves and give structure to the soft, pliable cashmere. The tartan plaid fabric is in shades of red, green, blue, yellow, cream and black. The kilt like frayed edges and leather buckles bring the fabric to life and the mermaid silhouette with a pleated lower section give it beautiful movement and texture.
Long before Alexander McQueen was using tartan in his pieces, Isaac Mizrahi was finding inspiration in kilts and regional plaids!
When interviewed by Bomb Magazine, Isaac Mizrahi said this about using tartan plaid for an evening gown:
"They’re classic symbols. The idea was to take the tartan out of its normal context and do it as evening wear. I was dreaming about kilts. . ."
When asked how the dress stays up so well, he responded: "That’s the trick of a good strapless dress: it looks totally effortless. It has an under construction which defines and solves the whole body at once. I love a strapless dress that makes you look voluptuous. It’s an art form." - Isaac Mizrahi
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
View our video guide to taking accurate body measurements:
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
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BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
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WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
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SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
There are a few quintessential, iconic Isaac Mizrahi pieces, and this tartan dress is one of them. The dress is from Mizrahi's F/W 1989 collection, known as the "Extreme Kilt" dress, it takes the design principles of the traditional kilt skirt, and applies them to a masterpiece of a strapless gown.
This tartan dress is strapless, and made of cashmere. It is held together with the interior structure - a full lining and boned bodice that hug the curves and give structure to the soft, pliable cashmere. The tartan plaid fabric is in shades of red, green, blue, yellow, cream and black. The kilt like frayed edges and leather buckles bring the fabric to life and the mermaid silhouette with a pleated lower section give it beautiful movement and texture.
Long before Alexander McQueen was using tartan in his pieces, Isaac Mizrahi was finding inspiration in kilts and regional plaids!
When interviewed by Bomb Magazine, Isaac Mizrahi said this about using tartan plaid for an evening gown:
"They’re classic symbols. The idea was to take the tartan out of its normal context and do it as evening wear. I was dreaming about kilts. . ."
When asked how the dress stays up so well, he responded: "That’s the trick of a good strapless dress: it looks totally effortless. It has an under construction which defines and solves the whole body at once. I love a strapless dress that makes you look voluptuous. It’s an art form." - Isaac Mizrahi
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
Complete the look
Vintage Jewelry Makes the Perfect Finishing Touch
Complete the look
Vintage belts tie it all together