This is a dress to make an entrance in! It came from the estate of a long time vintage clothing collector...it's just one of many I'll be listing as I can get them done. This one is by A. J. Bari, a designer who does stunning things with this type of dress; it's probably from the early '80's if I've researched it correctly (the shoulder pads are one giveaway!)
It's made of a deep aqua silk chiffon with matching lining and is embroidered completely in a random path design of matching bugle beads....EXCEPT for a gorgeous leafy spray done in turquoise bugle and seed beads, white pearls, white seed beads, white translucent bugle beads, silver bugle beads, and iridescent sequins.
The spray centers left mid-waist and wraps its striking pattern upwards and downwards both back and front...covering just enough of the shoulders front and back to give it a definite presence. Rows of horizontal turquoise bugle beads finish the neckline and wrists. The silk chiffon is on its own around the front and back neckline with a bit of skin to show between the top of the zipper and the hook and eye closing. A bit of a slit up the back hem finishes the look. The shoulder pads make a dominant statement...they're probably large to distribute the weight of this dress somewhat!
The dress is marked as a size 6; the bustline measures 19" at the underarms lying flat, the hipline measures the same. The waistline is about 15"; the arms measure about 23" shoulder seam to wrist. The dress measures a bit over 41" in length...I think these measurements would give a bit of slack in the dress size.
The dress has survived well and is in excellent condition in spite of being stored for some time. It's ready now for an occasion that requires a knockout dress...total, total glamour!