Original 1950s velvet burgundy red cocktail dress with balconette bustline. This is a such a feminine and gamine example of evening wear from the period. The striking feature is the sheer opulence and luxury of its colour; a rich, deep red in the most luxurious and thick velvet. The bustier is superbly shaped with three overlapping layers, the first a velvet sweetheart scallop followed by knife pleated tulle trim and the layer closest to the skin is a a straight cut velvet panel. The waist band is wide to accentuate the female form and the skirt falls into a princess length a-line with some neat box pleating to the front. A 1/4 inch of the lining has been folded over the bottom hem and the double spaghetti straps complete the romantic ballet look of the dress.

This is British couture made to the highest construction standards with most elements hand finished and the dress lined in superb quality acetate; the original zip still present. It is an unlabelled piece, but this came from a small collection whereby the previous owner's mother had her clothes made in a number of Mayfair ateliers which included Norman Hartnell, Worth and Lachasse. In impeccable vintage condition, a couple of creases in the velvet towards the back but of no consequence for a dress of this age. Best suited to size extra small on account of the waist - UK 6-8 or US 2.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 34 in. (86.4 cm)
Waist - 25 in. (63.5 cm)
Hip - 46 in. (116.8 cm)
Length - 43 in. (109.2 cm)
Shoulders - FREE