In 1979 Zandra traveled to China and as inspired by what she found there. One of the fist designs she created form that trip were what she dubbed the "Chinese Water Circle" and the "Chinese Balls" patterns. Both of which are hand painted on red silk chiffon on this amazing dress. In the book The Art of Zandra Rhodes, she says, "To me China had purity and strength...The strongest influences upon my Chinese prints were first, the stone carvings of water and clouds in the palaces from which I drew "Chinese Water Circle" and the "Chinese Balls". Then the trellises came in to make "Chinese Squares""" She used this print in her fist collection after coming back from China, doing a second collection 6 months later for the following season that incorporated more designs that also were China inspired. This dress is clearly from that first collection and those very first prints designed by Rhodes. It is made of a bright orange red silk chiffon with the designs hand painted in orange. The bodice as the Trellis patterns appliqued in rhinestones and the neckline and bodice is edged in pearls and cording., as is each sleeve. The waist is elastic so it is easy to wear and the cut a loose interpretation of Chinese garb. The original bright silk satin orange sash is present. Excellent, appears unworn condition

The dress is lined in a red tissue silk and slips on with a tie at the back neck . All the pearls are present and the dress is hand painted and hand finished. Elastic through the waist

After this sold we found this photo of Zandra wearing what looks to be the same dress on Vogue IT and have added it here. What a great surprise for its new owner!

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML

Item# DD1294

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