.. So many of the great Italian designers were were actually Italian aristocracy. Pucci, Simonetta, Schiaparelli, Missoni, Galitzine all came from noble families, but due to the failing Italian economy, they found new fortunes by translating their blue blood backgrounds into modern Italian fashion. Princess Raspanti is not as well known as the others mentioned, but judging from this dress, she was all grace and elegance.

.. An article I found stated that Princes Raspanti designed her own fabrics, had them made for her in Como, then she would design the dress once the fabric was in hand. This beautiful gown was made from a divine fabric of 60% acrylic and 40% wool. If the fabric tag didn't tell me this I would have never thought it anything but silk crepe. It is light and etherial, but its hand washable.. Incredible! Raspanti took advantage of the amazing flow of the fabric by giving the gown those dramatic full sweep skirt and angel wing sleeves. The sleeves harken back to the Italian Renaissance, where women of nobility showed their wealth and status in the size of their sleeve (the bigger the sleeve, the more wealthy the wearer). The gown is so beautiful and easy to wear. The waist has a sliding tie for a perfect fit. The back closes with a few fabric covered buttons. The dress comes with a blue slip dress.