DETAILS: This Art Deco inspired evening dress is of uncertain vintage: 1980s? 1990s? It is perfect for an occasion where you want to look glamorous, boldly unique, and a little bit witchy. The lines of the bodice are gently shaped with vertical darts - the dropped waist dips into a curve below the waist, with an echoing upward curve for the neckline. Spaghetti straps crisscross in back. The entire bodice is embellished with sinuous curving abstract patterns done in dark gold, overlaid with beading and sequins. The flippy sparkly skirt allows plenty of room for dancing.

SIZE: No size label. I would estimate this as a Small, and best suited for a someone whose figure is not particularly curvy. Measurements are somewhat complicated by the design.

Bust - 33. 5" (65 cm)

Waist - 28" (71 cm)

Circumference of "hips" at level of dropwaist sideseams, see photo - 34" (86 cm)

Approximate hips (9" below approximate waist) - 50" (127 cm)

Bodice length from approximate shoulder to dropwaist seam- 22" (56 cm)

Skirt length from same seam - 25" (63. 5 cm)

Sweep- more than 200" (512 cm)

FABRIC/COLORS: The bodice is black, done in crepe back satin. Based on a fiber burn test, I believe it is acetate. The antique gold patterns are painted onto the satin - you can feel the change in surface texture. Embellishment includes black and gold bugle beads, black and light gold seed beads, and light gold sequins, both flat and faceted. Wide stitching patterns are also used to enhance patterns. The outer skirt is a slightly crisp black chiffon with gold woven in a small-scale windowpane pattern - hem is narrowly serged. The dress is fully lined in black acetate.

TAGS: No tags at all

CLOSURES: A long metal zipper in back, embossed "alco" on the back.

CONDITION: The antique gold stenciling is darkened from wear under the arms - right more noticeable than left. There are several "pulls" to the threads of the chiffon overskirt - mostly of the gold thread, but not always - from getting caught when coming into contact with the bodice embellishments. I see minimal loss of embellishment - maybe two beads & sequins along upper edge in the back.