The Bellville Sassoon label was founded in 1953 by Belinda Bellville but did not officially take on the Bellville Sassoon label until 1970 when David Sassoon, who had been with the company since 1958, became the head designer . In 1987, Irish designer Lorcan Mullany joined the company and took over designing and the brand's labels changed to add his name. The Sassoon label became internationally known when Princess Diana began wearing pieces quite extensively. Countless other celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Madonna also wore Sassoon. This dress is a fabulous example of what Mullany was doing during this time period.
This brilliant red dress is an absolute statement piece. It is made out of a red silk and cut to follow the curves of the body from the top of the neckline to below the hips. The bodice is shaped into a low sweetheart curve with a little gathered piece at the centre front. The gathers all run horizontally down the body and I love how this puts all the emphasis on your curves underneath. The top layer of the lower skirt sits over inner built under-skirting to get the volume that you see. We did not add any additional underskirts on this dress. All of that sweeping volume is all built in. The red silk of the skirt is done to give the effect that it is wrapped around you to the back where it is swept up and held in place by the large bow that sits at the lower back. The black skirts that sit underneath the top layer are amazing. There is an innermost lining that is topped with layers of black tulle. At the very back of the skirt where the red sweeps up there is another panel of black netting that has tiny drops of glitter fused and scattered over its entire surface. This is what you see underneath the back opening and it is incredible as it catches the light and sparkles. I photoed most of these shots with the shoulder straps tucked in so it strapless but there are tiny black straps attached. Each is a single row of tiny black sequins that curve over each shoulder. If you are looking for a statement piece this dress is it. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a red silky rayon with light boning though the bodice. It closes with a back zipper. Layers of tulle and silk underskirts under the low set skirt.
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 56" from top of bodice to front hem, 60" to the longest point of the back hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4771
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