Hippy-meets-Sloane in this vintage, late 1960s/early 1970s, Belville Sassoon long dress with sequin butterfly detail and sequinned front split. The curiously collectable piece was created by the fashion designers to some of the most important and beautiful women of the world. David Sassoon and Belinda Belville’s client list included Princess Margaret and Princess Diana, for whom they created over 70 outfits following her marriage. This classic dress is not only eminently wearable, it is also a piece of fashion history.
Arty and elegant, the evening gown is made from sheer Polyester crepe (doubled at the bodice) with a fully lined skirt. The dress features a sequin-framed v-neckline, a sequinned butterfly motif and a line of sequins in the middle front of the dress, which also has a split detail 21 inches/53.3 cm from the bottom of the hem. The dress is fastened by a zip and hook and eye to the neck, and there is also an inner waist tape to secure the dress in place.
Measuring 56 inches/142 cm long, the dress is marked (UK) size 14, but is probably a current day size 8-10, and should be dry-cleaned only. The condition of the outer sequinned crepe is very good, but the skirt lining has a number of pinholes. With a new inner skirt lining, this dress would be perfect.