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SOLD

£95.00

SKU: 30813

Information from the Vintage Fashion Guild: "
John Bates is possibly one of the greatest forgotten talents of the 1960s and 1970s. With no formal training, he took an apprenticeship at London couturier Herbert Sidon in the late 1950s. He was asked to start the Jean Varon label in 1960. As far as is known, all Jean Varon labelled garments were designed by Bates.
His reputation earned him the ultimate commission; designing a wardrobe of outfits for the second half of the first Emma Peel season on The Avengers in 1965-66.
In the later 1960s and 1970s, Bates continued to innovate but the garments moved towards a softer, feminine look. Bates concurrently designed for an own-name label, which was more avant garde and innovative."
This fabulous John Bates for Jean Varon evening dress is a beautiful example of flowing, gauzy 1970's hippy chic, in sheer polyester chiffon.
Elasticated gypsy neckline with fitted darted bodice under beautifully flouncy collar, in bands of black, paprika orange and chocolate brown.
Seamed waist with black satin ribbon and bow trim, and lovely flared floaty skirt gathered under the waist seam and falling in soft folds to the hem, where there are wide bands of orange and brown to match the collar.
Fastens at the side with a plastic zip. Labelled "Jean Varon, London, UK 12, 100% polyester". Fully lined in black acetate fabric. Smaller than a current UK 12 on the waist so please check measurements carefully!

Measurements

• 57" long
• up to 36" bust
• 26" waist
• 40" hips

Comments

In superb vintage shape, no notable flaws although due to the nature of the chiffon, there are small areas of frayed threads at some seams - not a fault, just characteristic of the fabric.