Stunning, dramatic vintage late 1970s/early 1980s black silk charmeuse tiered Boho Princess dress, with heavily beaded and sequin encrusted bodice and belt.
This piece is by Nora Martin, who had a boutique in the exclusive Sunset Plaza, on the Sunset Strip. It's interesting as it encompasses both elements of the late 1970s, with its clear rich Bohemian design, and also foreshadowing of the glittering 1980s, which one might say itself was heavily sequined ;)
The sweeping three-tiered black silk charmeuse skirt is very Stevie Nicks, very dramatic. The deep face-framing V-neckline is exactly the right depth for flattering and elongating the neck, and ends with an invisible zipper (it has a side zipper as well - both set in by hand). The waist is nipped, and accented by a matching beaded and sequined belt.
The bodice fabric is a metallic bronze gold, heavily sequined with tiny gold sequins, and beaded with bugle, seed, and trimmed with large black faceted beads. On the front are two large hand-beaded/sequined paisleys, and one on the center back. The sleeves are lightly puffed at the shoulders, and the interior designed for them to stay in shape with a small ruffled sleeve lift in the shoulders. It is beautifully constructed, with lots of hand finishing.
This is an entrance-making one-of-a-kind vintage gown - very rich, very luxe, very Hollywood Bohemian Princess.
Label: Nora Martin, Sunset Plaza L.A. (on interior of belt)
Era: Late 1970s/early 1980s
Color/s: Black and metallic gold
Fabric: Silk charmeuse, beads, sequins
Fastenings: 'Invisible' zipper on side and front
Size marked: None, approximately a modern U.S. size 8/10.
The Measurements: 38 inches bust, 28 waist, full hips, 14 shoulder to shoulder, 23 sleeves, 16.5 mid shoulder to waist, 59 mid shoulder to hem.
Need help figuring out if it will fit you? Just click on the Contact link at the bottom and I'll be happy to help.
The Condition: Very good, overall well preserved. It has some missing bugle beads on the backs of both sleeves. Doesn't detract from its beauty, and easy enough to find and replace if you know how to bead (I don't) or have it done for you. There's a small slit hole (as in, less than 1/4 inch by perhaps 1/16th inch) on the second tier of the skirt. I just had a heck of a time locating it so I could measure it - it gets very easily lost in all the folds and is very unobtrusive.
The Shipping: Delivered by Stevie Nicks, I mean Priority mail, within the U.S.; International First Class to Canada, and International First Class to Everywhere Else.
Yoohoo, International buyers! Your country may charge you customs fees on your purchase, which you're responsible for paying. Just so you know ahead of time and aren't unpleasantly surprised :)
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
