This 1970s dress is a phenomenal design piece from Ted Lapidus and from his flagship boutique line in Paris. It would have almost certainly been made by the same team as the haute couture collections and is in a wonderful cream checked muslin that features large embroidered Swiss dots. The dress is a v neck shirtwaister design with fabric covered buttons down to the upper-waist. The gathered skirt reaches to the floor. The dress features romantic, poet style, three-quarter length sleeves. To give greater volume to the piece, there is a cream muslin petticoat retained and original to this ensemble. This is not attached to the dress; therefore, the dress could be worn with or without to suit the wearer's taste. A ribbon belt which matches the V neck and arm trims is also included.

In really excellent vintage condition, there are just a couple of very small, scattered marks in the muslin, but these are very faded and not at all obvious or noticeable when wearing. The dress would certainly benefit from future cleans as required. There is no size label but we estimate it a best fit for UK size 6-8, US 2-4 on account of the waist size. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm) and this dress was a great fit on her. 

Ted Lapidus began his long fashion career at the house of Christian Dior before branching out on his own in 1951. He is known for his unisex style of dressing and was worn by leading French stars of the day including Brigitte Bardot and Francoise Hardy. He also designed John Lennon's white suit for the Beatle's "Abbey Road" album cover.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Waist - 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Hip - 52 in. (132 cm)
Length - 54 in. (137.2 cm)
Shoulders - 14.5 in. (36.8 cm)

UNDERSKIRT
Waist - 23 in. (58.4 cm)
Hip - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
Length - 38 in. (96.5 cm)