1970s Travilla for Neiman Marcus Pink Chiffon Angel Sleeve Gown

This is a 1970s maxi gown by William Travilla for department store Neiman Marcus. Travilla’s name is synonymous with Marilyn Monroe for whom he worked as her costume designer from 1952. He designed, arguably, the most famous cinematic dress in history, the white pleated halterneck dress for 'The Seven Year Itch' and was Oscar nominated 5 times, winning for 'The Adventures of Don Juan' where he designed costumes for Errol Flynn. He designed for his own label from 1957 and was widely acclaimed for his work on the television series The Thorn Birds and Dallas during the 1980s.

Tailored from pink silk chiffon, the dress has long billowing sleeves which create a floaty wing-like effect under arms. The cuffs are very tapered and fasten with a single popper at the wrist. The neckline is generously cut and draped in a cowl-neck style from which the top layer of chiffon hangs down over the bust and ends in a triangular handkerchief hem. The multi-layered skirt has an A-line cut with a kick-flared, fluted bottom adding to the ethereal nature of the design. The back is tailored to a low scoop shape and fastens with a hidden tonal zip. The dress is lined with a man-made tonal pink viscose throughout for modesty and comfort. It retains its detachable belt at the waist which links through belt loops at the side of the waist. The belt, which is padded at the front and covered in tonal pink chiffon, ties at the back with extra-long panels of chiffon which trail behind the wearer.

The gown is in good to very good vintage condition and presents beautifully, especially considering the age and fine and delicate nature of the fabrics used. There are a few items to note; a small graze at the top of the zip; a small age mark and slight grazing to the chiffon at the back of the dress near the bottom of the hem and a couple of pin-prick size marks on the skirt section. The belt also has very faint yellow markings. These issues were only noticed with the dress in hand and they cannot be seen when worn due to the flowing, billowing cut of the fabric. On account of the smaller waist measurement, the dress is suitable for up to a UK size 8-10 or US 4-6 with flexibility in the bust and waist.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)

LENGTH - 55 in. (140 cm)