This is a rare and complete four-piece ensemble by the renowned British designer Bill Gibb. It is composed of a halter-neck top, a high-waist skirt and removable sheer top layer, alongside a coordinating jacket. The halter-top is generously cut from fluid jersey in a draped, bustier style which fastens at the back with three polished black buttons. There is a keyhole cut-out at the rear, where the loose fabric is cinched by a thick waistband that buttons at the bottom of the back. This top is secured around the neck with a thin fabric rope embroidered with gold feather stitch. It is lined at the bust.

The theatrical skirt is cut to a flowing maxi-length and has a high-waist secured by a tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasps. It has slits at both the front and rear that are trimmed in thick gold embroidery. It is unlined. The skirt has the stunning addition of a sheer top layer that can be removed. Tailored from a feather-light, sheer black neck, this layer is split into two halves that fall over the sides of the black maxi-skirt, anchored by a band that sits around the waist. The net is embroidered with beautiful vines and florals in palest pastel blue, pink and green interspersed with shimmering metallic silver thread.

The ensemble is completed by a lightweight blouson jacket in matching black jersey. It has a dramatic batwing cut with large, sweeping angel-sleeves - a signature of the label. Each cuff is secured by a single polished black button. The jacket closes at the front with a single button at the neck and a drawstring tie at the waist. The seams are finished with a swirling running stitch in glittering gold thread.

It is extremely difficult to find Bill Gibb designs from his pivotal 1970s collections in such flawless vintage condition as these. We can find no repairs, holes or stains and the whole ensemble is very fresh looking. Truly worthy of a museum acquisition or for the serious private collector, Bill Gibb designs are held in every major fashion museum worldwide. The fabric is labelled as 100% Cupro, and the embroidered net layer is 95% Viscose, 5% Metallic. It is labelled a UK size 14, but this would be better suited to sizes up to a UK 10-12 or US 6-8. Our model is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180cm) and this was a great fit on her.

MEASUREMENTS

TOP

BUST - 34 in (86 cm)

WAIST - 36 in (91 cm)

LENGTH - 14.5 in (37 cm)

JACKET

BUST - 38 in (97 cm)

WAIST - 38 in (97 cm)

LENGTH - 23 in (58 cm)

SKIRT

WAIST - 28 in (71 cm)

HIP - 66 in (168 cm)

LENGTH 44.5 in (113 cm)

OVERSKIRT

WAIST - 28 in (71 cm)

HIP - 50 in (127 cm)

LENGTH - 42 in (107 cm)