This fabulous shirt waist dress from Italian designer Mariella Burani most likely dates from the 1970s (possibly earlier). It features an oversized bodice with dolman (batwing) sleeves and black velvet accents. The skirt has four pleats and two slash pockets on the front with a zipper on the side. The wide belt is black velvet on one side and the dress fabric on the other. The fabric is a charcoal gray wool with embroidered black dots, and the dress is unlined. The dress is labeled Italian size 46 which generally translates to a modern US size 10 or 12, and it is also labeled US size 14. Although it is also labeled US size 14, the waist and hip measurements indicate that the skirt fits today's small sizes (4-6). Please refer to the measurements for the best guidance regarding actual size.

MEASUREMENTS
- Dolman sleeves don't have shoulder seams but accommodate a range of shoulder widths and chest sizes.
- Waist is 26. 5"
- Hips are 34. 5" at 8" below waist.
- Length is 41. 5" down center back excluding collar.
- When fastened on the first hole, the belt measures about 13" across, or 26" around. If the belt is too short for you, there's an easy fix: There is enough extra fabric on the buckle end to lengthen the belt by about 1. 5 inches, or you could add another grommet or two to the end of the belt.

CONDITION
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Large plastic belt buckle has a few light scratches, but no other flaws were noted.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Dallas, TX.