Size: S

Bust: 35” flat with some extra room in the cups, to fit approx. 34-36”

Waist: 27” flat, to fit approx. 26”

Ribcage: 29” flat

Hip: 38” flat, to fit approx. 36”

Length: 55” from top of shoulder straps to hem, in front

Straps: 14” long from front to back

Underarm to waist length: 8”

Waist to hem length: 40” in front

Label: union label only

This metallic gold brocade early 1960s evening gown has a “fishtail” hem and a sweetheart neckline with double straps. The crisp, lightweight fabric is probably a blend of acetate and rayon, with a raised floral pattern that is more intensely gold in color than the paler gold background. The hourglass shape of the gown is created with darts from below the bust to the hips. The bust area is asymmetrical, with gathers on one side, and a diagonal panel forming the front of other side, before curving around to the center back. Below the hips, the skirt seams are straight in front, but in back diagonal seamed panels widen from below the hips, to create the “fishtail” center drape. The dress fastens in back with a nylon zipper, and it is lined with a muslin-type fabric, with an additional layer of acetate taffeta, in the bodice area. Boning at each side seam extends from the underarm to the waist, under the taffeta lining. In very good condition, this fab 1960s gown has 3 faint spots: 2 at about knee-height in front, and a 3rd that is likely to be hidden when the dress is worn, in the folds of the fishtail hem at the center back seam.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Chicago, IL.