A beautiful and original 1930s French couture dress in outstanding wearable condition. Of complex construction, the body is tailored from inky black liquid satin and has a panelled construction with pleating across the shoulder. The top has long-sleeves with a bell cut that are slit on the underside - from wrist to armpit - to allow flashes of skin to peek through. The neckline has a generously draped, flattering cowl neck. It meets the skirt with a zig-zag hem - a hallmark of many of this era’s gowns. The waistband is also detailed with a floppy bow that attaches at the front with a hidden tonal hook-and-eye. The skirt is full and panelled at the back, where it has a slightly lowered back hem and provides flowing movement as the wearer walks. At the top of the back there is a large keyhole cut out and the dress fastens above it with a fabric-covered button - it is unlined.

In excellent antique condition - as good as it gets for a dress of this age. On close inspection we noted a small area of very, very light grazing at the top of the left shoulder which would be very difficult to detect when worn. The dress has no labels but was made in France with couture construction techniques. It's possible that this dress would look equally good worn the other way round and it's a great size to boot - will easily accommodate up to a UK 16 or US 12.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 44 in. (112 cm)

WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)

HIP - 56 in. (142 cm)

LENGTH - 61 in. (155 cm)