Black Quilted Provençal Hostess Dress w Green Velvet Portrait Collar – XS, 1950s

A testament to how fine clothes *used* to be made, this immaculate day-to-evening shirtwaist dress boasts impeccable craftsmanship like finished buttonholes, hand finishing and luxur...

With its cascading ruffle back skirt, puffed sleeves and sweetheart neckline, this gown is like a page out of Walter Plunkett’s designs for “Gone with ...

Approximately Size Small Measurements **Bust:** 36 inches **Waist:** 26 inches **Hips:** Up to 66 inches **Length:** 55 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem An exceptional **circa 1970 Estelle Allardale Beverly Hills and Corona del Mar maxi dress**, capturing the romantic historicism and lavish bohemian glamour that defined the transition from the late 1960s into the early 1970s. The dress is fashioned in an extraordinarily detailed Persian\-inspired paisley and floral tile print, combining emerald green, cobalt and powder blue, scarlet red, golden yellow, turquoise and black against a warm ivory ground\. The intricate repeating pattern gives the textile the appearance of miniature antique Persian carpets or illuminated decorative tiles. Its fitted bodice is dramatically framed by panels of plush emerald green velvet, edged in vivid pink braided passementerie trim. The velvet continues across the back bodice, creating a striking contrast with the elaborate printed textile. Ornate textured gold tone buttons descend the center front, while long green velvet ties at the waist can be knotted into a bow or allowed to hang loosely for a more relaxed silhouette\. Perhaps the most dramatic feature is the pair of voluminous bishop sleeves, generously gathered through the arm before narrowing at the wrist\. Below the fitted 26-inch waist, the dress releases into an exceptionally full, fluid maxi skirt. With room for up to 66 inches through the hips, the skirt creates tremendous movement without sacrificing the defined, corset-like shape of the bodice. The square neckline, fitted torso, velvet detailing, billowing sleeves and sweeping skirt reflect the Renaissance and medieval revival influences that became an important part of late 1960s and early 70s fashion. The result sits beautifully between Beverly Hills glamour and the romantic bohemian aesthetic of the period. Estelle Allardale operated luxury fashion boutiques in Beverly Hills and Corona del Mar, California, catering to an affluent Hollywood and Southern California clientele\. Period reporting places Estelle and Al Allardale within the Hollywood fashion world as early as the 1950s, while the Beverly Hills/Corona del Mar label seen in this dress is associated with the later period of the business. Allardale’s name also appears on surviving garments with Hollywood provenance, making the label an intriguing part of Southern California fashion history. The dress is particularly versatile despite its theatrical presence. Style it with metallic or jewel\-toned sandals and statement jewelry for an evening event, destination wedding, resort dinner or cocktail occasion, or lean into its early-1970s spirit with platform sandals and oversized jewelry. The rich velvet and jewel\-toned palette also make it particularly striking for fall and holiday dressing. A wonderful example of late 60s - early 1970s California designer fashion, with a silhouette and textile that feel unmistakably of the period while remaining remarkably wearable today. **Estimated era:** Circa 1969–1971 **Label:** Estelle Allardale, Beverly Hills · Corona del Mar **Estimated modern size: Small - please refer to measurements for best fit\. Measurements **Bust:** 36 inches **Waist:** 26 inches **Hips:** Up to 66 inches **Length:** 55 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem Vintage Estelle Allardale dress, 1970s Estelle Allardale, vintage 1970s maxi dress, Estelle Allardale Beverly Hills, Corona del Mar designer, green velvet maxi dress, vintage paisley dress, Renaissance revival dress, medieval revival dress, bohemian maxi dress, boho maxi gown, bishop sleeve dress...

An elegant and very early 1950s maxi-dress coat which I have no doubt retailed in one of the finest US department stores of the day and is very possibly a designer piece. Tailored fr...