While I’m not actively seeking a Prince Charming at the moment, I do know that, unlike most princesses who dream of something with 4 C’s in a Tiffany ring box, I’ll know I’ve met my soulmate when he understands I’m more interested in these 4 C’s: Fortuny, Worth, Vionnet and Balenciaga (C standing for couturier, of course).

Yep, just hand me an archive box with one of these masters’ treasures nestled in acid-free tissue paper and I just might squeal “I do” and follow a guy anywhere.

Take today’s VPOD, for instance. This oh-so-rare Fortuny silk gauze tunic from the 1920s features hand stenciling with metallic gold pigments, gorgeous glass beads, and impeccable shoulder pleating that creates a wonderful drape.

Talk about talent! Not only did Fortuny design magnificent garments with one more beautiful than the next, he was a true Renaissance man who bound his own books, created one of the first dimmer switches, invented a boat propeller and at some point in time could call himself a painter, an etcher, a sculptor, an inventor, an architect, and a photographer.

It’s been said he was not a couturier, but a “creative artist of dress.”

And this is one of his oh-so-collectible finds for a vintage fashionista.

Available from wwwdecadencefashioncouk at Sense of Fashion

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