High-end British fashion house Bellville Sassoon was founded in 1953 by Belinda Bellville. Designer David Sassoon joined the company in 1958 and in 1970 the company was renamed Bellville Sassoon. Made in England circa 1978, this stunningly detailed dress epitomises the decadent eye-for-detail that defined this fashion house for decades. Tailored from white silk chiffon, the top is tailored to an off-shoulder style with a drawstring neckline that ties at the front and is finished with two tassels. Romantic detailing abounds; the bell-sleeves are sheer and finished with a panel of beadwork adorned with iridescent flower and shell shaped beads. This panel is attached to the main body of the sleeve with tiny off-white beads - the same way the sleeves attach to the body of the dress. A pretty tassel also hangs from this panel of beading down over the elbow. There is a coordinating beaded panel at the chest and the cuffs too. The skirt is embroidered all over with white running stitch which forms row after row of pattern. The back of the dress fastens with the original hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The cuffs fasten with three hidden hook-and-eye clasps. The body of the dress is lined with white crepe and the skirt is lined with sheer voile and a final layer of cream satin.

Superbly made, this dress is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. Due to its age, there are no size or composition labels and we estimate this dress to be a UK size 8-10 or US 4-6 but please check the below measurements carefully as the waist is small. The fabric has no stretch.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)

HIP - 42 in (107 cm)

LENGTH - 63 in. (160 cm)