When doing the research to date this lovely dress, I found two references to pieces where Sant'Angelo used the same wood bead fringe that this dress has to finish an edging. One on a jacket photoed on Verushka for Vogue and the other edging a vest that is held in the permanent archives of the Metropolitan Museum. Both were dated to 1968. I found no other images where he used that wood fringing so am confident that this was something particular to that year's collection. The dress is wonderful and embodies all of that artisanal, bohemian spirit that the best of his early work captured. The dress is made from a purple velvet that is the detailed with brocade & metallic lame ribbons and fabrics. I suspect that some of the fabrics he used are antique bits and pieces that he would have collected and then re-purposed. The cut is loose through the body with a deep plunging neckline that closes with a series of hidden set snaps under its front edges.The combination of those colors and materials gives it lots of visual impact. The hem is finished with that amazing row of dangling wood beads and these make a fabulous sound when you move. This is a rare and wonderful piece of his early work. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on with a series of hidden set, fabric covered snaps running down the front. Each sleeve snaps to close. Note that the cuffs seems very small for where they would sit on the arm. I do not know why and you could just flip them up I think, but am noting this so you are aware before buying. Each is approx 6.75" around once snapped. You could move the snaps to get to about 8" around or perhaps have a button and loop added to get more room altogether

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 47" from neck to bottom of wood bead detailing at the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3146

Reference photos: (1) Verushka for Vogue, April 1968 / (2) The Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection, 1968

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