Pleats, Please: A Vintage Gown Worth the Drama

Some gowns aren’t just garments — they’re sculptures in fabric.

This 1970s Malcolm Starr Rizkallah chiffon gown in radiant sunshine yellow is one of those rare pieces where craftsmanship, color, and history meet. Nearly 55 years after it was created, it still feels strikingly contemporary, proof that true design never goes out of style.

What first captures the eye is the bodice: a masterpiece of draped chiffon, pleated into a crisscross construction that flatters and frames the figure. The work is intricate yet effortless, giving the dress both structure and softness. From the fitted waist, the skirt spills into gathered folds that float with movement, creating an ethereal silhouette reminiscent of Grecian goddesses and pageant queens alike.

The color — a bold, lemony yellow — radiates confidence. It’s not shy, not subtle, but a statement shade meant for someone who wants to be remembered. And even with its history (a faint stain, a few moth kisses tucked away in the folds), this gown has lost none of its magic. Like all the best vintage, its imperfections only testify to a life lived and nights danced through.

Designed under the creative vision of Youssef Rizkallah for Malcolm Starr, this gown embodies an era when American eveningwear was bold, glamorous, and meticulously made. Rizkallah’s Paris training and Egyptian roots gave his designs a unique fusion: couture lines, vivid colors, and a sense of drama that still translates today. Whether you’re a collector, a vintage prom dreamer, or simply someone who appreciates clothing as art, this piece is a rare find — and it’s available now in my Etsy shop. ($300)