.. This Patou is a rare find indeed. It is a couture piece, with lots of hand finishings and couture touches. It is a Patou "adaptation" not made in Paris, rather the pattern was purchased from Patou and was produced elsewhere, probably by a high end department store in the USA. In most cases when these patterns and the right to recreate the dress were bought, the same fabrics were also purchased so the stateside garments were exact copies, and were sold at the Paris prices. The advantage to the US consumer was they didn't need to take the boat ride to Paris to buy a Patou.

.. This beautiful set consists of a sheer chiffon dress, and a silk velvet jacket. In the 1920s all the designers were producing classic flapper styles with drop waists. Patou was keeping the shorter hemline, but was defining the figure with a natural waistline. This innovation morphed into the classic 1930s look. This dress has the dropped waist, with a finely pleated skirting . There is also a chiffon belt at the natural waist defining the Patou style. I also love the little tie at the neck, but mostly the velvet appliques on the skirt is just incredible.

.. The jacket is just dreamy. It is unlined, and I suspect it once had a lining that has since been removed. The lack of lining does not effect the wearability of the piece. The jacket mirrors the sleeves of the dress, except they are a few inches longer. The jacket crosses over in the front, around the waist, back to the front. To finish it off, there is a beautiful velvet flower on the left shoulder.

.. There are condition issues on the dress. There is a tiny hole on the back of the left shoulder, as well as slight shattering under the arms, as well as a little staining (click to see the flaws). Therefore this would only be suitable for wearing with the jacket. With the jacket on, it is quite wonderful.