This is a great piece from a quantity of glamourous clothing I found at an estate sale for a woman who had been both an avid collector and entrepreneur with shops in the southwest. Most of the clothing had been stored for some time; just about everything survived well.
First of all this is a unique combination of patterns in the taffeta fabric...for some time I was just sure that these patterns are so obviously designed to go together that it had to be professionally made. I've not been able to find any tags or other indications, so we'll settle for it having been designed and made by a very proficient seamstress!
The lined bodice is set with the pink/grey checks running diagonally in collar, front and sides. The diagonal theme is picked up again by the wonderful huge pockets on the skirt. A very elegant plaid creates both the skirt and the deep cuffs. The waist is accented by a burgundy velvet "corset" that laces with velvet cording. Here we find the only wording that we have to go on...Del Rio belt with an "8" beside it, unusual in most fabric store backings of that era.
The bust measures 18-1/2" lying flat, the waist 14-1/2"; it measures 16" shoulder to waist and 38" waist to hem. The taffeta still has a lot of body and "rustle" in it even though it has been stored.
There was no tag from the collector on this dress, but I'm going to guess that it is from the late '50's. It seems to fit that era.
The dress is in excellent vintage condition and could definitely be worn (I'd suggest dry cleaning first since it's been stored) as a striking dress for a lot of different occasions!