I often have fantasized about who owned this dress, and my favorite of the fantasies would be a nightclub chanteuse owned and wore this dress for performing. Unfortunately, I have no idea of the provenance, however, it is made with such finery and detail that I can say it is a gem of a gown! It is made of a medium weight rayon or viscose style velvet in ebony black hue. The sleeves are elaborately decorated with real metal bullion thread embroidery, delicate glass or crystal cut seed beads, and tiny pronged (sew-on) rhinestones in white -you can tell that these sleeve sections are of very high quality craftsmanship. The dress is otherwise somewhat simplistic, with a lovely bateau (boat) style neckline, however the waist has a lot going on: the peplum is gathered and tacked at the center front, then graduates into pleats, that then graduate into a complex back 'bow' style arrangement of the velvet fabric. This conceals the also elaborate closure system which includes; a hidden metal side zipper closure, six sets of tiny metal snaps, and lastly five metal hook & eye sets. The skirt appear more or less flat at front, and gathered toward the back. Unlined, with light padding in the sleeve -not shoulders, and without any other details to note. Overall condition is near mint, with a few missing rhinestones and a tiny repair at back left side -please see photographs for full details. No labels or maker's marks present, most likely boutique-made for someone special.

Measurements:

- 14 inches across form shoulder to shoulder
- 3.5 inch width of beaded sleeve panel
- 36 inch bust
- 29 inch waist
- 36 inch hips
- 58 inch total length from shoulder to hem

Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries!

♥,
Miss Master

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in New York, New York.