The silk Swiss dot netting used for the outer layers of this dress are so fine and light that it seems almost an impossibility that it could even be shaped & sewn properly to create the dress. The workmanship is exceedingly fine and the final result is beautiful. It has the added benefit of a well documented provenance. It's twin was used for a Bill Blass advertisement that year that was shot by Francesco Scavullo. The ad ran in the October 28, 1978 issue of WWD. This exact dress for sale today was also worn by Michelle Monaghan to attend the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.The dress is semi transparent from top to bottom and you can see the effect best on the photo of Michelle. The inner bodice has a layer of nude silk chiffon throught he fron of the bodice only and those extra panels of netting that run down and over each bust. From a distance this gives the illusion that it is only the vertical panels providing coverafe. The back is covered with a thin layer of netting only and the skirt is made up of the same netted silk over semi-transparent inner silk chiffon.  The waist is cinched with a wide silk taffeta belt that gas pretty little dots of cording running along its length for embellishment and detailing. The workmanship is exceptional and most is done by hand.  Excellent condition.

The front bodice is lined in a nude silk chiffon and the skirt has an inner layer of black silk chiffon. It closes with a hidden set zipper at the low back with two buttons above that and hook and eye at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has a hidden set snap. I see one teeny repair to the net on one sleeve. Note that it was a little tiny on my dress form and will sit on a proper sized girl like the reference photos provided. Hand finishes throughout. Tagged a vintage 4 but please go by listed measurements

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to longest point of back hem. The front hem is 31.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3039

Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1979 Bill Blass Runway.  /  (5) Bill Blass Ad shot by Francesco Scavullo from the October 28, 1978 issue of WWD.  /  (6-8) Michelle Monaghan at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.