"In August 1971 Vogue magazine illustrated six designs from Jean Muir's latest collection, including this classic dress. The description ran: 'isn't it romantic? tucked or gathered bodices springing great or greater sleeves'. With its top-stitching, carefully tucked bodice and softly pleated skirt, the fluid dress characterizes the designer's meticulous attention to the dictates of cloth and methods of construction." That is the description given for this gown that resides in the V&A archives!

It is such a fabulous dress and I love the tomato red color! The cut is astounding - it somehow manages to take all those yards and yards of fabric and still transform them into something sexy as soon as the dress actually goes onto a real body. The bottom half flows from a empire waist and because the fabric is so thin and flowing it is deceptive how much fabric is actually there. The top portion is a masterpiece. It features Jean's typical top stitch technique and her love of little flat pleats to bring detail onto an otherwise simple piece. It is completely pleated through the front and back almost creating a modern breastplate/corset effect. The sleeves are huge and billowing and are cut all the way from the shoulder to the empire waist seam. Really fabulous and always great to have an exact date and documentation of a piece of fashion history! Excellent condition

Unlined through the skirt and has in interior side bodice that creates sides inside the dress. If the waist fits and you need ore room through the bust/bodice you could in theory remove these as you would then have no side seams through the bodice. Two extra buttons. There where two tiny heel holes near the bottom hem and I had a stitch put into each to secure. Closes with the front buttons and each cuff has elastic.

Sleeves: 30"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam on the inside, no exterior side seams
Empire waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: open
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from neck to empire waist
Skirt: 44" from empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML (could be roomier inside bodice if interior side panels are removed)

Item# DD1346

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