Vintage Ottavio Piragino black safety-pin maxi-dress, circa 1980s
This is a black stretchy dress with custom safety pin accessories throughout the dress. The designer tag says “Ottavio Piragino” Milano Italy. it’s in amazing condition. Made of polyamid and elastan. Made in Italy.
N/A
Flea Market
Yes
Hi Cami,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Ottavio Piragino is a lesser-known Italian designer whose work from the 1980s and 1990s has gained attention for its unique and edgy style. His designs, often characterized by bold cuts and a mix of materials, were crafted in Milan, as your dress is labeled. Pieces like his runway maxi dresses and bodycon outfits, often featuring distinctive elements like oversized safety pins, have become collectible vintage items, reflecting the Glam and Goth aesthetics of the era.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Ottavio Piragino (Italian, 20th Century)
Vintage safety-pin maxi dress
polyamid and elastan
DIMENSIONS: Unknown
CONDITION: This dress appears to be in good condition; value assumes no tears, stains, repairs or odors.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a flea market
$ 600-800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Good morning, Cami,
I wanted to give you an update on this appraisal, about which I've reached out to my couture contact at an auction house, as well as a dealer in vintage 80s and 90s couture and three people on the faculty at FIT.
What we know is that Ottavio and Omar (relationship still TBD) founded Piragino and they did do runway shows. It isn't certain if Versace copied their safety pin dress for the one Elizabeth Hurley wore to the premier of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" or if they copied Versace's.
I'll give word back as I hear but didn't want this to go too long without checking in. Hopefully there's more to come!
Have a great day,
Delia
Hi Cami,
Thanks for your patience; this query ended up going to textile and couture historians in Italy, the Metropolitan Museum and a now retired couture historian in Milan who confirmed Omar and Ottavio were brothers. She wasn't sure if one or both were still alive and also said they did do shows but were the underdog and always in the shadow of Versace, and VERY LITTLE is known about the house. Everyone thought it was very unlikely we would ever know who copied the Safety-Pin dress - Versace or the Piraginos.
All consulted agreed with my $600-800 evaluation so at this point, I don't think I can do more for you that what I've done but I've enjoyed the opportunity to research this further.
With very kind regards,
Delia
Hi Cami,
I understand you were't 100% satisfied with my appraisal so I've gone back to have a deeper look for more information on Ottavio Piragino , what if any connection there was to Omar Piragino and whether this brand had any runway shows, and when. I've not found anything in a fairly comprehensive online search but before I come back without additional information, I'd like to reach out to a couple of curators and couture experts I know who may have access to less-widely accessible archives. There won't be any additional charges but because they are not connected with Mearto I need your OK to proceed; I should also let you know this could take some time.
Please feel free to respond in a comment box, or go through our Customer Service as you did initially.
Thanks,
Delia