Early 1980s Rare Patricia Lester Silk & Bead Gown/Set
Patricia Lester gowns are often referred to as "Fortuny inspired" however, she has said that she actually had not see the work of Fortuny when she embarked upon her journey to create this unique pleated fabric. Her husband Charles has worked with Patricia from their studio in Wales since 1964 and they produced, and are still producing, some of the most exquisite fabric ever made. Their pleating technique, though reminiscent of Fortuny, is proprietary to them. The silks were hand dyed and printed and in this case tube beads were hand applied to run along the pleats and highlight the design. This particular set was hand dyed to a pale lemon yellow. The underskirt flows to the floor and the simple tunic falls over this in long lovely lines. The shoulders are slightly capped with just a hint of a peak at their tops. I love how the edges of the hem falls in points at the front and back of the tunic. The collar is finished in a band of tightly spaced tube beads and these same beads highlight the design in the skirt and tunic. I have not seen a Lester piece with this treatment before and it is very beautiful! Though their studio is not officially a Haute Couture atelier, the work and craft behind their pieces are certainly on par and can definitely be described as couture as few houses produce dresses that are made by hand from fabric to finish. The tunic can be worn on its own for a shorter dress feel as well so the set is very versatile. Excellent condition
Unlined and both pieces slip on. The waist of the skirt is elastic. Because of the unique pleat technique these will fit virtually any size. The color is slightly more of a pale lemon yellow without the golden tones as it photoed. Better in person!
Tunic
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: Inset at 12" however because it is inset the true shoulder is variable as the shoulders fall under the un-seamed part of the upper shoulder/sleeve
Bust: variable
Waist: variable
Hips: variable
Length: 36 " from neck to longest point
Skirt
Waist: variable
Hips: variable
Length: 47" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All
Item# DD1768
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!
Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:
- We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
- payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
- The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
- items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit
We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.
Want it faster?
We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.
SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.
