1970s Black Pink Floral Maxi-Dress with Caped Top and Pink Trim

This romantic maxi dress dates to around 1975 and, although it has no surviving labels, we rather suspect it is by Susan Small. The quality is simply sublime and the design is highly characteristic of the house, whose head designer, Maureen Baker, created Princess Anne's wedding dress for her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. The original owner purchased the dress from Harrods for a society event, and we have included a contemporary editorial featuring a closely related design from the same period.

Cut to a sweeping floor-length silhouette, the dress has an empire-line bodice and a full, flowing A-line skirt. It is tailored from lightweight gauzy cotton printed with lively fuchsia pink and olive green florals over a subtle black gingham ground, the latter only becoming apparent on closer inspection. From the front, the neckline gives the impression of a halterneck, with a deep V-neck framed by rose pink cotton trim. The straps curve gracefully over the shoulders before fastening at the low back with two plastic buttons and a fabric-covered button on each strap. Three narrow bands of matching pink cotton span the lowest point of the neckline, adding an elegant architectural detail.T he bodice is lined in pale pink cotton, while the skirt is fully lined with a pale pink cotton petticoat finished with a floral flounce to enhance its shape and movement.

The dress is accompanied by a coordinating short cape, cut from the same floral cotton and trimmed with matching rose pink cotton. It is unlined and fastens neatly at the neck with a single hook-and-eye fastening.

The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition and is very fresh looking. Our model, who measures 37" bust, 31" waist and 45" hips (94cm, 80cm and 114cm) and wears a UK 12 (US 8), is shown wearing the dress, which fitted her beautifully. Please refer to the sizing information below to ensure the best fit.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 35 in. (89 cm)

UNDERBUST - 30 in. (76 cm)

WAIST - 42 in. (107 cm)

HIP - 56 in. (142 cm)

LENGTH - 62 in. (157 cm)

CAPE LENGTH - 15 in. (38 cm)