1980s Black Silk Jersey Batwing Dress with Leather Applique

Statement 1980s silk jersey trapeze dress, complete with dramatic leather appliqué detail to each shoulder. It has a high, gently rounded neckline and fastens loosely at the rear with two diamanté style buttons with a keyhole opening. The fabric is an incredibly soft, lightweight black silk jersey, which feels luxurious and comfortable against the skin. The dress has wide batwing sleeves, each finished at the cuff with the same diamanté button detail. The shoulders feature a unique appliqué detail made of silver and black leather rosettes, shells, pearls and beads, as well as leather tassels and silk bows against a glitter background. The dress gently skims the body and falls to around ankle length.

A very avant-garde design and despite extensive research, I have been unable to identify the designer but this WAS somebody. No labels at all but the quality of this British design and the materials used made this a costly item to produce; it would have retailed in a top London boutique of the day.

The dress is in fabulous vintage condition with no faults or stains to note. It is loosely fitted and would best suit anywhere between a size UK 10 to size 16 UK, or 6-12 US, depending on the desired look. Our model is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180 cm) and this dress fit her well. 

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 60 in. (152.4 cm)
Waist - 50 in. (127 cm)
Hip - 45 in. (114.3 cm)
Length - 53 in. (134.6 cm)
Shoulders - 19 in. (48.3 cm)