1970s Jean Varon Rainbow Maxi-Dress with Angel-Sleeves

During the 1960s and beyond, English fashion designer John Bates designed visionary modernist dresses under the name Jean Varon. This flamboyant 1970s maxi-dress, with its floor-sweeping construction and theatrical sleeves, is an attention-grabbing choice for any event. It has an empire-line silhouette. A red grosgrain ribbon encircles the waist below the bust and can be tied in a bow at the front. Below this, the fabric of the skirt falls in pleats. The fabric is mesmerising; a semi-sheer crepe printed with a psychedelic print of gradient polka-dots in ombré rainbow hues set against a black background. The dress is cut with a low-V neckline at the front, a sensuous detail that counterbalances the full-length skirt. The sleeves are a stand-out feature. Tailored from the same sheer rainbow cloth, they have a dramatic waterfall angel-sleeve construction that falls to nearly the same length as the skirt. The body of the dress is lined with a pale pink satin. It fastens at the front with a hidden black zip.

This collectable piece is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note. Made in England, it is tagged a vintage size UK 14, but vintage sizes vary so please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. Lots of flexibility below the empire line bust and will fit a range of sizes up to a UK 10 or US 6.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

HIP - 80 in. (203 cm)

LENGTH - 56 in. (142 cm)