The exterior of the dress is fashioned out of light black silk crepe that has a slight waffle weave feel to it. The fabric is amazing and the cut of this dress is really astounding and as good as it looks off the hanger it is more amazing on a body! It has a high neckline with a† almost cowl neck, draped collar with a pointed front. The top skims over the bust and has little gathers and pointed seam work just under the bust to emphasize. The sleeves are really amazing - they are huge and cut to pouf and balloon out over the wrist - you can see where later designers like Biba and Ossie Clark got their inspiration from! The waist starts high under the bust line and skim over the waist and swings out over the hips in a delicious swoop. It has an attached back belt made of the same fabric with a slide buckle. even the buckle is special - it has a bit of a art deco feel with a two slanted sides. It is only upon the closest of inspection that you realize the genius of the dress. Those patterns worked into the sleeve appear to be screened on. They are actually fabric that is edged so finely and placed into the black that you don't realize they are a separate piece of fabric till you see the back. And each of those designs - they are the finest hand embroidered bits! Truly a piece of history and a work of art - I strongly feel this in an unlabeled piece of the highest design - possibly couture. A superb example of this time period and in excellent condition.

Sleeves: approx 23"
Shoulders: approx 14" (no true defined seam
Bust: 18î flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Waist: 14.5î flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam the inside dress
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Unlined and slips over the head, It closes at the side with a series of snaps and each cuffs has hidden snaps. The belt is attached and has an early plastic buckle. There is one repaired pinhole on the back hip near the snap side opening. It looks old and has been left. It does not detract at all - I am just being very picky and accurate. The color is a true black - note that in very bright sun the fabric is starting to take a purpleish cast near the arms and other areas where skin would have touched it. In normal or darker light it present as perfect. If not for this I would have priced it several hundred dollars more as it is remarkable.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (2-6)

Item# D461

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