1960s Jean Varon White Sleeveless Ruffle Lace Dress

This 1960s white lace dress was made by British label Jean Varon and is a beautiful example of the designer's penchant for romantic detailing, synonymous with his work during this era. The dress is comprised of sheer white chiffon and cut to a sleeveless shift style with a full skirt and nipped-in waist. The top and bottom of the skirt are smothered in row after row of ruffled white lace. At the waist, there is a sheer white chiffon belt detailed along the edges with looping stitching that creates a scallop trim, it is tied in a floppy bow to complete the look. This dress is fully lined in high-quality acetate and fastens at the back of the neck with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

Made in England, this dress is in excellent vintage condition and we have expertly cleaned back to true white. There are no composition or size labels and the fabric has no stretch. A good fit for around a UK 8-10 or US 4-6 with a smaller waist. A great choice for a bride; I'm pretty sure this would have retailed as a wedding dress and Jean Varon had a bridal concession in Harrods during this period. John Bates, the designer, chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. Along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, John Bates pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

LENGTH - 38 in. (97 cm)