This is an incredible dress from the famous designer Lillie Diamond. Dating probably from the late 60's, it is definitely the dress for a memorable occasion. Done in a heavy fabric...a wonderful silk faille (the rib is so tiny it almost has the feel of crepe) in an elegant shade of old gold/topaz/amber (difficult to pinpoint!), it has the lush look and feel of a fabric made to move beautifully and rustle ever so slightly and elegantly.
The neckline is a simple scoop and is molded across the bustline by an adroitly shaped midriff. The midriff rises higher in the front to allow princess seaming to skim the waist and flow into the bottom fullness. It's figure defining while allowing a lot of movement.
The dress is fully lined for stability and added shaping; the lining is split to the knee on the back seam for ease of movement. When you turn it to the back the drama unfolds. The back neckline drops with a gentle curve to the back of the bust. A series of snaps and hooks keep the first bow securely in place. Below that is the piece de resistance: the cutout area that gently curves down a pretty back to a second bow and follows the midriff seaming to marvelous gathers and pleats that cascade to the hem. There is just a bit of a train effect to complete the picture.
The effect is an entrance of elegant simplicity...and an exit worthy of the ultimate Hollywood diva! Star quality.

There is no longer a size tag, but comparing other clothes in this lady's wardrobe, it is probably a 6/7. It measures 17" across the bustline lying flat measured at the underarm seam and 14-1/2" across the midriff seam measured at the sides. It measures 14" lying flat on the bottom of the midriff seam at the side as it dips toward the back (think probably just above the pelvic bone?). From the shoulder seam down the back to the hem it measures about 56+ inches; in the front just under 55". These measurements are the best possible given the construction of this beautiful dress...with the bias cut of the midriff piece there is probably a little bit more flexibility in the fit.
It has been professionally dry cleaned for freshness since it had been stored for some years.
This is definitely the dress for a special occasion...for a time when you have the right to feel every inch a star. This dress would be divine on a redhead, smashing on a brunette...do up an elegant do and you're definitely in the limelight!