Designed by Sue Wong, with a 1980's Neiman Marcus paper hang tag plus an small bag of replacement rhinestones, this mauve pink and purple evening dress is awesome. Very low cut, with its own built-in slightly padded bra, it is sleeveless and figure flattering. A lightweight sheer crinkle outer layer of silk fabric has a solid color light purple polyester full lining. At the bodice center there is a sewn-on 2 and 1/2 inch multi-color rhinestone brooch. The low V-neckline front and an even lower V-shape back (with a zipper) means this is very flattering from all angles.
Sizing has changed a great deal over the years, so please use these measurements to determine if this vintage Sue Wong dress will fit you. Do no rely on the size shown on this tag.
Armhole opening ~~~ 22 inches
Bust ~~~ 38 inches
Waist ~~~ 32 inches
Hips ~~~ 40 inches
Total length ~~~ 38 inches
Hemline width lining ~~~ 48 inches
Hemline width outer layer~~~ 108 inches
Hollywood glam style, this dress will make you feel spectacular and look that way too. Be sure to look at the photos that show the many designer details.
In the back there is a 12 inch long zipper plus a top hook and eye.
This Sue Wong event-ready dress is in Mint Never Worn Vintage Condition.
Contemporary Sue Wong designs are sold at major department stores. The retail price shown on this Neiman Marcus paper tag is $290. Based on the style of paper hang tag, this dress was sold in the early 1980's. In today's equivalent dollars this dress would be priced at just over $800.
Putting on this elegant dress means you are ready to party. Add your own shoes, an evening bag and any jewelry you may want to add to personalize this outfit.
The very low cut neckline is perfect for wearing just the way it is, showcasing your spectacular figure, or it is ready for the right statement accessories.
For these photos it is shown with a dainty vintage necklace to inspire you. This listing is only for the Sue Wong formal.
Seam details, with the bands of purple (called "grape" on the paper tag) silk crinkle fabric at the bodice, draw attention to your figure to fit and flatter your body. To see this, look particularly at the full length photos of the front and back which both have the same fabric construction.
All the seams are intact and there are no stains, odors, snags or holes. Close inspection does not show any issues to report with any part of this garment.
It comes to you from a pet-free, smoke-free home.
This designer has a fascinating history. Born in rural communist China in 1949, Sue Wong's family escaped to Hong Kong and finally were able to immigrate to the United States in 1955. As a youngster living in California, she wanted to pursue a career in fine arts. Although she was won a scholarship to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, her parents wanted her to become an accountant. She was never formally trained in fashion, but her design talent could not be denied.
By the 1970's she was in a fashion program at Los Angeles Technical College, with a scholarship from Arpeja, a hip fashion company for younger women. In less than a year, she decided to trade her education for a full-time job as a designer in Arpeja. Very soon she became lead designer and her designs took the company's sales from $3 million to $51 million in three short years.
In the next decade Sue Wong became the creative force behind her own company, Sue Wong, Inc. She has a fascination with all things "old Hollywood" and many of her styles have echoes of those golden days of the films. Even her fully restored home in the Hollywood area is the mansion of a former Hollywood star.
According to her website, "The ideas of her design come directly from the history of fashion, including inspirations from every decade from the 1920's through the 1970's. She realizes that the key to healthy marketing is diversity, but in spite of this, her clothing is consistently romantic, blending time-honored handwork and craftsmanship with classic, rather than trendy designs."
Please contact me if you have questions or want more photos before you make your decision to purchase this never worn Sue Wong dress.
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Bradenton, FL.
