The label on this dress instantly gives us a date of between 1970-1974. 1970 was the year Janice Wainwright launched her own label and after 1974 her labels only carry her name, not the full ‘Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street,’ that we see here. These four years are what has forever defined Janice and her work. She excelled at these embroidered pieces and the Art Deco & Nature inspired designs that she loved flourished and became one of her signatures.
This dress is a beauty and really a museum worthy piece. Her caftans and dresses by her during this time period and of this quality are harder and harder to find. As mentioned above, it has the added bonus of having the coveted, earliest Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street label. Pieces with this label are from the beginning of her career and for me, really showcase her talent and are among the very best of her work. The base of the dress is a cream chiffon. The construction is very interesting. It has a more fitted interior dress that has a straight sleek cut and this inner dress is made form a silky rayon until it nears the hem. It them changes to the chiffon that is extensively embroidered as you see in the photos. Floating over this is an attached caftan that is loose and full. The 'sleeves' of this outer layer have her signature embroidery runs extensively down each of them and across the back. The front is cut very low with a series of loop and buttons that you can close or leave open for more of a plunging feel. It is beautiful and would even make a fabulous wedding choice for a bohemian bride. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a white silk rayon and closes with a side painted metal & nylon zipper on the interior dress. Fabric covered front buttons on the plunging neckline
Interior bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Interior hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Exterior caftan: 58" X 44"
Length: 56" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD2823
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.