A very striking Jean Varon black jumpsuit which dates to the early 1970s but has a surprisingly contemporary design. It is crafted from a fluid, shiny black jersey with a hint of stretch and falls to the ankle. Generously cut, the wide-leg trousers swirl around the wearer and are pleated where they hit the waistband. The top has a low-cut silhouette with cut-out detailing; pleated panels of fabric cover the chest, crossed by bands of black satin. Across the open back, the bands of black satin become a bra-like formation of straps. They are lined with elastic and so are ruched and give a flexible fit. The straps fasten at the back with two hook-and-eye clasps and a snap closure. The jumpsuit also closes at the back of the waist with two hook-and-eye clasps and a hidden tonal black zip. It is unlined.

In excellent vintage condition and looks virtually unworn. Labelled a vintage UK 10, but vintage sizes vary hugely and this is a small fit, particularly around the waist. Our model is a size UK 8 and this was small on her so we would suggest a best fit on a size UK 6-8, or small 8 (US 2 to small 4).

Notes on Designer: John Bates was a highly regarded British designer who began his label Jean Varon in 1959. Famous for sheer panels, short hemlines and bare midriffs, he was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt and trousers for women. He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. In 1965, he designed outfits in Op Art prints for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers. John Bates, along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.

MEASUREMENTS

UNDERBUST - 30 in. max (76 cm)

WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)

HIP - 52 in. (132 cm)

LENGTH - 53 in. (135 cm)