Once in a while a dress comes along that just takes your breath away and this is one of those times. This is a spectacular dress and capelet ensemble that I would bet my last vintage dollar once also had a designer label from one of the important houses of the day. The workmanship and quality and sheer beauty of it are mind boggling. The fabric is the star here with a green silk floral print base that has a soft metallic sheen worked through it. Over this are vertical bands that start at the hem and go up the entire dress. Each band is a wide swath of a very fine, metallic silk brocade that is edged in silver rows of tube beads and has large 3D bead flowers hand formed and running in a tightly spaced design around the dress within each row. This adds a substantial amount of weight to the dress but once on it is perfectly balanced and feels far from heavy. The cut is simple and fitted with wide straps and a straight across neckline. The cape just covers the shoulders and is an absolute gem - almost like topping the dress with a jewel rather then fabric. The construction is marvelous and it is really and truly a special pieces. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in silk - silk taffeta through the body and cape and a silk satin through the bodice. Ribbon finished edges. Lightly boned through the bodice. The cape closes with a fabric covered snap and the dress with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished interior. You could potentially tuck down the straps and wear this strapless as well.
Dress
Bust: 17.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulders to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem
Cape
Shoulders: to 17" (you could adjust the snap to get perfect fit across)
Width: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 10" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML
Item# E541
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.