Sometimes, it's all there in black and white, and this gorgeous dress proves that old adage! This is vintage 1950s, with classic fit & flare. The fitted bodice is classic "bad girl", with dolman sleeves and pairs of vertical darting shaping the bust. The vee-neck is deeper in the front than in the back - it is structured with wide self-fabric edging. The four gore full-circle skirt sets into the waist using deep pleats.

SIZE: No size label. The bust measurement is somewhat flexible because it's knit

FABRIC/COLORS: The bodice is a dense jersey knit, in inky black. Based on a fiber burn test, I think it's a wool blended with a bit of acetate. The skirt is creamy white, done in a heavy ribbed faille - burn test inconclusive, but definitely natural fiber - I lean toward rayon, possibly a blend.

TAGS: A Pat Hartly Original. If it was made between 1953 to 1955. it could be an early work from Luis Estevez - according to one source, he worked at Pat Hartly for 2 years right before starting Grenelle-Estevez in 1955.

CLOSURES: The bodice closes with a side seam metal zipper. There is a hook & eye plus a heavy snap at the waist, with a short open placket below. The dress has thread belt loops, and a self-fabric cream belt.

CONDITION: No stains, holes, tears or other issues noted.