This beautiful and happy feeling dress is one of my favorites from the pieces of Malcolm Starr that I have had in the shop. It was designed by Elinor Simmons, who was a young designer that Malcolm brought in to the company to design a higher end line for him in 1965. She eventually left in 1972 which giving us a window within to date the dress. Everything about this dress suggest the late 1960s.
The silk fabric that the dress is made out of is very pretty and fresh feeling with huge flowers printed across its entire surface. The bodice skims over the torso with darling little capped sleeves and a high set, ribbon detailed waist line. The neck is detailed in a double band of the same black braiding used at the waist. This use of a bit of a darker color anchors the design beautifully and contrasts against the pastels colors of the silk. The skirt falls to the floor, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. I love the fullness that this creates. The silk used has a almost polished cotton finish to it but with a touch more texture. The fabric choice really holds the shape of the dress beautifully and the color is wonderful. I love that it has pockets hidden away at the inset seams that run down the front. It really is a lovely dress. Excellent condition with a note below to review
Fully lined in an ivory muslin through the skirt and an ivory silky rayon through the bodice. It closes with a painted back metal zipper. The hem of the skirt is finished with ribbon. Some grubbiness to the edge of the hem. It appears that the back was taken out at some point alongside the zipper. It could be left as is or easily taken in again to be smaller. I also see what looks to be maybe a faint touch of a pen mark near the zipper. Please review the last photo after the shot of the label. Otherwise it appears to have been worn very little.
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to top band at the waist with 2" to the bottom band
Skirt: 42" from bottom band at the waist to hem with 3" turned up under the hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD2730
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
