The Wallis Department store opened its door in 1923 and by the 1940s they had expanded to 25 shops across the UK. At their heyday that number went up to 134 stores. In the 1950s the company would pay a fee to attend Paris fashion shows and that fee allowed them to replicate exact copies of designs. By the sixties this practice had shifted to the younger British designers. Their in-house label produced many gorgeous pieces and the demand for these copies was high. This dress is probably from the late 1960s or early 1970s and is most likely a copied design from a young designer at the time. This in-house label took on a life of its own and became in demand to the US market as well.
The dress is so pretty. It is made from a soft feeling fabric that has a liberty-esque printed pattern running over its surface. The skirt has a red back drop with flowers scattered over it and then for the top the pattern of flowers is space very close together to give it a contrasting feel. Each sleeve is cut to be very full and wide. To give it that wonderful balloon feel each sleeve ends with a red cord running through its edge. You just cinch in the cord and tie it into place to create the volume above. I love the red tassels that sit at the end of each cord. The same cord technique is used on the neckline where a red cord runs around and through the entire edge. This allows you to wear it off the shoulder as I have shown it here or you can cinch it in tighter and wear it higher up and on top of each shoulder. The bodice is cut to skim over you and then it cinches in at the waist with a band of fabric. Under that the skirt flares out with yards and yards of fabric used to make it. The fabric is light in weight so that when you move it moves. It’s gorgeous on and so so pretty. Great condition with a small note below
Inlined and closes with a centre set back zipper. Ties at the neck and each sleeve. One tassel on one sleeve is mostly missing. Please see the last photo here. I see some small catches on the skirt fabric but all are stable and very minor. The fabric has a soft patina to it that adds to its vintage appeal
Sleeves: approx 22" and adjustable
Shoulders: no defined seam and adjustable
Bust: approx 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# D635
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
