John Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he became known for making pieces that were sleek & sexy but still felt sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces you will find are a one-off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces. His work is a personal favourite of mine and this dress is extraordinary.

This dress is exceptional and a wonderful example of his work during this time period. It is made from a black silk jersey that allows it to drape beautifully on the body. The dress is cut to drapes and skim over the body and it does show every curve but without it being tight and fitted. Once on, this gives it a certain sexiness despite the fact that the dress completely covers you. The sleeves are long and widen out as the near the cuffs to create a poufed effect over each buttoned cuff. The dress skims over the body and fall to the floor in a beautiful drape of inky black silk jersey. A hand beaded silver bird seems to have been captured in mid-flight as it swoops around the scooped neck. A second bird arches down the hip and appears to hold in its beak the gathered panel of fabric that is set on that one hip. This panel give the dress a bit of a forties feel that I love. It also hides a high cut slit that reveals almost your entire your leg when you walk or sit. It is incredible and made to demi-couture standards. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back, hand set zipper. Each cuff buttons to close. The birds are hand beaded onto the dress. There is one tiny repair on the back otherwise appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished. The fabric does have stretch so it should fit a range of sizes. The measurements below give you the comfortable range the fabric has when lying flat.

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 15-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from neck to hem
Slit: 32" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2973

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