1980s Bill Gibb Gold Lame' "Bronze Age" Dress

This dress was created for Gibb's 1985 "Bronze Age" collection, his last. The collection was mostly wool daywear, but the few evening creations he offered were hailed as being some of his best work. There is a little handwritten label that reads "style no id 320".

This dress is quite a treasure. The fabric is a lame' made from black silk, and both gold and silver metallic threads. The baroque pattern is so rich and lovely, a fun contrast to the "new wave" look of the dress.

Starting from the top, notice the cross over neck. There are no snaps, buttons, hooks or zippers on the dress. The whole thing hangs from this crossover neck. The back drapes dramatically, bringing to mind a Balenciaga gown I once admired. Notice how the fabric was matched perfectly for an uninterrupted pattern, the mark of a really skilled dressmaker. Each side of the dress has a big, beaded applique, a Celtic cross. Each rosette was hand made on silk, then they were applied to the dress. The sleeves are raglan, with a played down leg of mutton cut. At the top of each shoulder is a little flounce, backed with black silk. One side has a bit of elastic, the other is smooth. The dress falls beautifully down the body in an elegant column. There is a long slit up one leg with another little flounce at the top of it. The whole dress is lined in black silk.

condition: Excellent

No Size - fits a small
. Bust 40"
. Hips 38"
. Length 59"