1970s Janice Wainwright Jersey and Burnout Velvet Flapper Dress

1970s Janice Wainwright black evening dress that is unashamedly a tribute to the original party dresses of the 1920s. Wainwright's early work is highly sort after by collectors and museums alike. She founded her own company in 1970 after working for Simon Massey and freelancing during the 1960s. This dress dates from around 1974 when the film The Great Gatsby was released starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. The Oscar winning costumes influenced an art deco revival in the prevailing fashions of the mid 1970s.

The dress is cut from a soft black viscose jersey and has a V-neckline and batwing sleeves. Both the front and back feature a full length, wide mesh panel with intricate burnout velvet banding and a repeat design incorporating swirls of leaves in the Art Deco taste. The velvet detail also has a subtle sparkle thread running through it, making it ideal for an evening occasion, or glamorous night out. The dress flares out slightly at the hem, which helps to add volume and movement to the skirt - it really is a wonderful piece.

The dress is in superb vintage condition, with no observable faults or marks. Labelled a UK 14, this dress would best fit anywhere between a 10-14 UK, or 6-10 US equivalent.


MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 41 in. (104.1 cm)
Waist - 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Hip - 47 in. (119.4 cm)
Length - 49 in. (124.5 cm)
Shoulders - 19 in. (48.3 cm)