1960s Josefa Black Cotton, Gold Ribbon & Hand Embroidered Caftan Dress

I love Josefa caftans and have covered the history of the label a couple of times in my instagram (go peek one day). They are like owning a piece of wearable art. Every single one of them was entirely hand made, detailed and embroidered. They were made in Mexico in the late sixties to early seventies and were the epitome of Bohemian chic in their day. They are easy to wear pieces that can go from the beach, to exploring far off markets, to being worn as an evening piece depending on how you style them.

This is a wonderful example of her work and one of my favorites that I have had in the shop to date. The cotton is crisp and fresh feeling still. Usually you see these in bright colors but this one has been hand dyed to a deep grey black. The photos make it appear to be a true black but in person there is a natural color variations in the fabric that has a touch of a deep charcoal grey to it.  Pale gold ribbons adorn the neckline and I love how they actually are set to cross over each other and have a woven effect where they meet at the base. That same pale gold fabric is set all the way around the hem in wide panels and each cuff is also finished with the gold. It has hand done embroidery work just below the front neck and down the each side. More embroidery work is set on each sleeve. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut wide and mimic the way that the skirt widens out as it nears the hem. The dress is cut to sit slightly more fitted through the bodice and then flares out dramatically as it reaches the hem. The sleeves are cut to do the same and widen out as they near the cuffs. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric has natural variations in it. The color in person has a slight charcoal to it and is not a true inky black as it photoed. It's even better in person I think. There is some discoloration on the ribbon of each sleeve and a mark on the ribbon at the hem. Please review the photos after the shot of the label The loose cut will allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 23.5"
Dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3408

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.