Larry Aldrich was an American fashion designer who started his career in 1924 making clothes for private clients. In the early 1940s he started to put labels into his piece with his name on them and continued to design for his brand until 1966. During this period he was the president of the New York Couture Group which strove to ensure clothing was being made to the same high standards as their Parisian counterparts. After 1966 the label was designed by Marie McCarthy and in 1972 Larry retired fully and the label changed to simply say Aldrich. The quality of the garments being produced was kept throughout and his vision remained. Aldrich became best known for founding the Aldrich Museum for Contemporary Art in 1964. This tends to overshadow his work as a fashion designer but he did make beautiful clothing that was to demi and couture standards. 

This is such a beautiful dress that has a quiet elegance to it that I love. It is not 100% perfect but its flaws are all on the interior and from the outside it appears to be flawless. It is definitely a dress that has years of life and love in it. The dress is stunning and has that quite elegance that the best of the label's work had. It is made from a ultra light black silk taffeta that is mixed with a fine black netted lace. The two fabrics are set in horizontal rows that run over the dress from top to bottom. The lace panels on the body have been backed with a pale nude silk organza to give the illusion that you are bare underneath. Where the lace is inset into the sleeve the lace has been left unlined so you do see bare skin peep through. The shoulder are soft and the sleeves are long with a simple cut. The bust is cut to skim over the bodice and the waist nips in. I have added a grosgrain ribbon to add a bit more share and that ribbon will be sent with the dress. The skirt flares out from under the waist and it quite full by the time it reaches the hem. I love the elaborate pin tuck detailing that sits above and below the seam at the waist. This adds a lovely third texture and extra detailing that is just wonderful. Looking at it you would think it is flawless but please read the notes below concerning the lining. 

The body of the dress is fully lined in a nude silk organza and there is additionally a built in skirt made of the same organza. The sleeves are unlined and the dress closes at the back with a zipper. Each cuff closes with a zipper at the wrist. The grosgrain ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. There is shattering to the inner lining around the arms and there is some fraying to the edge of the hem of the inner skirt. Please see the photos after the label shot. It is completely wearable even as is and of course this is not seen from the outside

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3894

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