Bill Gibb pieces are so rare and hard to find that when I do find one I am always very pleased. This particular dress is absolutely fabulous. It has the added bonus of having similar examples currently residing in museum archives. A red version is held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and a second, similar version in cream was displayed in Bath for the "Great Names in Fashion" exhibit.

The body of the dress is made of a fluid, black liquid jersey fabric that is light in weight and drapes amazingly on the body. It cascades and flows to the floor from the heavily sequined panel that sits across the upper bust. This panel is cut with a square angular cut that Gibb often used in his creations and is a signature of his work. The sequins trail up and over the shoulders and then curve into the upper back detailing of a second heavily sequined horizontal panel. Each cuff is equally elaborate and each is densely covered in pastel colored, glossy sequins. During this time period these jerseys would have been cutting edge fabrics and an unusual choice for a designer to use and considered very avant garde. It is stunning and a beautiful example of Bill Gibb's work. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper. Each cuff has a single hook & eye. All the sequins appear to be present.

Sleeves: 26"
Shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 46" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1590

Reference Photos: 1.    /   2.    /   3. Photo: Mabalu/Wikipedia (from Great Names of Fashion Display).   /   4. Photo: Duro Olowu (from Great Names of Fashion Display)  /  (5) & (6) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.