This dress is so pretty and feminine feeling. It is strapless and has a beautiful blue and green print screened onto the silk chiffon outer layer. The bodice is fitted with an inner boning to add support and hugs the bust and nips in the waist. This tops a skirt that whose outer layer of the same silk floats over an inner silk skirt and is made of yards and yards of bias cut fabric. The effect is floaty and romantic. Helena Barbieri designed evening and formal wear through the 1940s and into the late 1950s. Her work was always very feminine, with simple lines and using only the best fabrics. She then often added elaborate embellishments and detailing that took her dresses to a higher level and really gave them a touch of a Hollywood feel. I love finding her dresses because they feel rather timeless and stand up well to modern pieces. This is a beautiful example of her work whose simplicity is the result of masterful cut. It is the perfect balance of femininity and structure. Excellent condition
The dress is fully lined in a cream silk and close at the back with a painted metal zipper. The inner bodice is boned for support. There is slight discoloration under the bust area of the inner silk but it only on the interior. It has of course been cleaned so is ready to wear and this does not detract in any way from the dress.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD2628
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.