1970s Documented Jean Varon Black Spider Cobweb Dress

Fine and rare Jean Varon spider cobweb dress which can be dated to the designer's 1973 collection and featured here in the September issue of British Vogue. Fashioned in a sleek black jersey with a slight sheen, it has faceted-domed glass buttons down the front and around the wide cuff billow sleeves. It has a half-length front hidden zip for ease of access. The embroidered tulle panel on the back with applications of beads and sequins forming spiders crawling around cobwebs and has made this dress the most prized of all John Bate's designs. They rarely come up for sale; this has been in Circa's collection nearly 20 years and is notably held in several fashion museums worldwide.

In fabulous vintage condition with absolutely no issues and is worthy of museum acquisition. The only thing if we're being very, very picky is that there are two tiny pin holes on the back near the right-hand seam; absolutely impossible to see when worn and only noticed when the dress was held to the light. It is best for a size UK 8 or US 4 and smaller on account of the small waist.

Notes on Designer: John Bates was a highly regarded British designer who began his label Jean Varon in 1959. Famous for sheer panels, short hemlines and bare midriffs, he was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt and trousers for women. He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. In 1965, he designed outfits in Op Art prints for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers. John Bates, along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 44 in. (110 cm)
Waist - 24 in. (60.5 cm)
Hip - 72 in. (182.88 cm)
Length - 59 in. (148 cm)
Shoulders - 18.5in. (47 cm)