Fernando Sarmi
Evening Dress
Fernando
Sarmi was born in Italy with the title of Count Sarmi. Before
starting his own business he designed for the Italian
Couture House of Fabiani, and later in New York for
Elizabeth Arden.
In the
late 1950's he opened a high end ready-to-wear company
in New York. His specialty was evening clothes, and
most of them were designed with full skirts to showcase
the lavish fabrics and embroideries.
This
stunning black tulle dress has a fitted bodice with
black satin straps and two bows at the back. There is a
fitted waist, and the full skirt is made from eight
layers of tulle over a silk underskirt.
The
most outstanding feature of this glamorous dress is the
beadwork. It is done in varying shades of gold with
bugle beads, caviar beads, gold balls and sequins
enlivened by prong set rhinestones. The design covers
the bodice and sweeps down the skirt and over both
hips. Sarmi must have taken his inspiration from
Christian Dior for this glorious short evening gown.
The
dress is in excellent condition, the tulle is crisp and
near mint. I do believe that the bodice was
professionally altered. It appears to have been enlarged
on both sides of the zipper, in a skillful and
attractive fashion. The alteration does not detract from
the appearance of the dress in any way.
Measurements;
