Object description

The dress has a black ground covered with dark wine roses which graduate tonally to a pale wine colour, in order to create a 3D effect which suggests that the pattern 'just grew there'. The pattern, of over-sized tea roses is large, almost covering the whole of the ground. The print is painterly and bold, showing brush strokes reminiscent of an Impressionistic style.

The bodice is constructed of four pieces, Two at the front and two at the back, with the front pieces graduating into a vertical deep V. The bodice is tailored and is reminiscent of menswear, whist also creating a feminine waspish waist.

The 'Tulip' shaped skirt, as pioneered by Christian Dior during the 1950s, emphasises the hips by creating a widening under the bodice through the use of darts and narrowing just below the knee to mid-calf.

The dress has a Rever front collar; a cotton velvet half collar at the back, revealed on the shoulders at the front. The tailored collar and bodice reminiscent of short jackets and also the New Edwardian look popularised after WWII. The bodice is secured with cotton velvet covered buttons. The sleeves are set-in and ¾ length.

The dress dates from 1957 and was purchased in Surrey. It was worn to a wedding by the bride's mother.