DON ELLIOT for Alper Schwartz, Philadelphia day dress. Circa 1980s. Made in the USA.
Lightweight, flowy fabric in shades of emerald green and black dots. Black grosgrain ribbon edging. Oversized black buttons.
Double-breasted, blouse-on style with long buttoned cuff sleeves and knife pleats that are sewn shut down to the hip. Elasticized waist with fabric covered wide belt for shaping. Heavy shoulder pads. Lined bodice.
No content tag. From what I can tell, it is silk. Dry clean only.
Excellent vintage condition. No rips, holes, snags or stains. Smoke free home.
Marked 10, but photographed without pinning on a modern size 8 dress form. Approx. measurements: Flat pit to pit chest 41." Waist 30-34" and hip 41."43" long from back of neck. 25" sleeve from shoulder to cuffed hem. 16.5" across top of shoulders.
The Alper-Schwartz company of Philadelphia began manufacturing clothing in the 1940s and by the 1980s, their brands were considered to be in the higher price ready-to-wear category, akin to St. John Knits, Halston, Bill Blass, Adele Simpson and Joan Leslie. For example, a jacket dress from 1985 retailed for $385, a hefty price tag back in the day. All to say that this dress is very high quality - beautifully tailored with finished seams and not a stitch out of place. A great investment for your vintage wardrobe.