Janice Wainwright launched her own label in 1970 and continued designing into the 1980s. Her work in the late 1970s and 1980s simplified in terms of embellishments and embroidery but she still used amazing fabrics and the better of her later pieces, like this one, explored drape and bias cuts. This dress is made from a beautiful red silk that has a dot pattern worked directly into the silk. The dots seems to be fused onto the silk and each has the slightest but of a 'fringe'; around the outsides. This gives them a bit of a 3D quality and adds to the texture of the dress. The construction is very interesting. It is all bias cut with a strong nod to 1930s lingerie in how it is cut. It floats over the body with a deep plunge at both the front and back. You see the classic angled seams of the thirties through the waist and in how the skirt is attached. This allows it to flow over the body and never feel very tight but still highlight every curve. It ties to close at the top of each shoulder and I would bet that you could figure out different ways to tie and wear it. It is beautiful. Excellent condition with a small note below

Fully lined in a red silk chiffon that is also bias cut. It slips on the wear and ties at the stop of each shoulder. The bias cut allows it to fit a range of sizes and it could easily be altered for the perfect fit on a smaller frame. It is tagged a vintage UK12, US10, FR40, IT44. There is a small repair near the hem at the back

Bust: from 16-24" flat across with no true side seams due to the side plunge
Waist to hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from top of shoulder to longest point of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD3014

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.