This is a wonderful dress from the fifties that is very striking and beautiful. All of the applique work you see has been placed and sewn by hand. The cost to replicate a dress like this today would be astounding. The exterior fabric is unusual in that it is an extremely fine black netting. This fabric choice has just enough weight to it to give the dress some structure and body, but is also very light and adds to the floating feel of the dress. Built under this is a more fitted bodice and the skirt has several layers of tulle between that top layer and the inner lining. The skirt is cut to be very full and you could easily add a crinoline underneath so you can get even more volume than what you see in the photos of the dress on its own. Even shown without a crinoline the dress still has a lot of volume and movement to it. Hand applied onto the dress from shoulder to hem is an enchanting design created by hand applied embroidered lace. This curves over the front and side of the dress in a beautiful trailing design. It also wraps around the waist and covers the upper back. It has been placed by hand to perfectly follow the curves of the dress and than hand stitched into place. Detailing each of the lace flowers are an edging of glossy iridescent finished ivory sequins topped with a glass bead. This adds the perfect subtle glimmer and highlights the lace even more. The waist is nipped in for shape and the skirt if full. Above that sits a shaped interior bodice that is a looser fitting overlay. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Excellent condition with some minor notes to review below.

The bust and skirt both has built in bodice and interior skirts made of a black silky rayon. The skirt has two additional layers of tulle between the top layer and lining. The dress closes with a back metal zipper. There is a very slight darkening to the lace on one spot at the side and perhaps a touch of darkening to the lace at the back. I photoed both areas for you and these are shown after the label photo. I see on pinhole to the netting by the hem but it is strong and stable and very minor. There is what looks like tape reside inside the dress under the label. Note that is does have straps on the interior lining but I feel that they were added later to hang the dress as they are cut very short. I tucked them in for these photos. All very minor and I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back as shown.

Interior Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam, with a good C cup of space at the front

Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E657

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.