Blue gray floral patterned dress with sequined bodice and matching belt

Unidentified · mid 20th century

A blue gray floral-patterned dress with a sequined bodice (a) and matching belt (b). The sleeveless dress has a rounded neckline and is made from two panels (one for the front, one for the back) of synthetic (possibly polyester or rayon) gauze. There is an allover paisley-like pattern of blue grey flowers and leaves. Translucent iridescent sequins are sewn into the negative space of the pattern on the bust. On each side of the bust is an 8” diagonal bust dart and there are also two 5.5” vertical waist darts (one on each side). At each side of the waist is a single braided thread loop. The back bust is made from two panels that are bisected by a white 23.35” Conmatic metal zipper with metal teeth. Above the zipper is one metal hook and eye set and there is a metal hook and thread eye set at the mid back. There are three sets of darts at the back of the bodice – 2.5” shoulder darts, 3” darts perpendicular to the armscye, and 5.5” waist darts. There are also two 8” vertical skirt darts that connect to the 5.5” waistline darts on the bodice.