1970s Haute Couture Navy Silk Slip Dress and Beaded Jacket

Designed in the early 1970s, this haute couture ensemble, handmade in France, consists of an elegant slip dress and stunning beaded long jacket. It is reminiscent of elegant 1920s evening attire which coincided with the Hollywood release of the Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.

The slip dress is made of fine navy silk with narrow spaghetti straps made from ribbon and a sensuous, V-shaped bust. It is fully lined and falls in a column shape to the mid-calf. It is fastened by a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp under the left arm. The chiffon silk cover-up is sheer and fastens in a wrap style across the front with a snap closure and two hook-and-eye clasps. It falls to the same length as the slip. The beadwork on this piece is exquisite; rows of iridescent bugle beads and glossy navy embroidery frame the neckline and, running along the bottom half of the jacket, there is a foot of beads and tonal embroidery. Here, embroidered navy petals surround a central blue bead, whilst hexagonal stitching and beadwork encircle these floral shapes. This beautiful detailing is echoed at each cuff.

This adaptable, two-piece ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the silk or beadwork. No labels remain in the dress although exquisitely of high-end couture standards. Our model (5ft 11in / 180cm) is a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 and this fits her well with room to spare. The fabric has no stretch and we estimate it will work on sizes up to a UK 12 or US 8.

MEASUREMENTS DRESS

BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)

WAIST - 44 in. (112 cm)

HIP - 54 in. (137 cm)

LENGTH - 44.5 in. (113 cm)

MEASUREMENTS JACKET

BUST - 46 in. (117 cm)

WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)

HIP - 52 in. (132 cm)

LENGTH - 45 in. (114 cm)