A very striking Jean Varon black lace maxi dress which dates from the late 1960s with a dramatic sleeve design that has not one but two lace balloon sections and an elongated cuff. The lacework is an abstract floral design reminiscent of the flower power look from the 'swinging 60s' London scene. The dress has a high empire line bodice and the strapless skirt element has been fashioned from what looks like raw silk but this is probably a man made blend due to new fabric technologies being most popular at the time. Fastens to the back with the original zip.

In fabulous vintage condition; it looks virtually unworn. The only thing if we're being very, very picky is that there are a few fabric strands that are separating on the very bottom edge of the dress; absolutely impossible to see when worn. Labelled a UK 10, this is a small fit and best for a size UK 8 or US 4 on account of the small bust.

Notes on Designer: John Bates was a highly regarded British designer who began his label Jean Varon in 1959. Famous for sheer panels, short hemlines and bare midriffs, he was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt and trousers for women. He chose the name Jean Varon in order to appear to be French and also because it meant he was the only designer under the letter 'V' in the rag trade book. In 1965, he designed outfits in Op Art prints for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers. John Bates, along with Ossie Clark, Gina Fratini and Bill Gibb, pioneered a romantic and dramatic mood in fashion in the early 1970s.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 32 in. (81.3 cm)
Waist - 32 in. (81.3 cm)
Hip - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Length - 58 in. (147.3 cm)
Shoulders - 16.5 in. (41.9 cm)