la mendola

1960s La Mendola Printed Light Wool Jersey Wide Sleeve Caftan Dress

The La Mendola label is highly collectible and sought after. The duo behind the label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop and women like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth that were buying and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced.

Here we have  an early piece by them that is made from a beautiful light wool jersey. It is cut into a loose and easy shape that flows out from the shoulder to almost caftan proportions. The design is a beautiful mix of blues and green with pale pops of a soft lavender. It has a simple cut with an undefined waist, a scooped neckline and long bell cut sleeves. It is a larger cut piece so will fit a range of sizes easily. I love how it covers the body completely and how the fabric drapes and skims over your curves so it is still sexy. It really has a lot of fabric through the body of the piece and widens out as it nears the hem even more. In person you get more of a feel of volume when you move. You could easily belt and cinch in the waist for more shape. The length is supermodel long at 64" from shoulder to hem. It is an amazing piece. Excellent condition with a small note below

Unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The bias cut stretch fabric and forgiving design of the dress will allow it to work on a range of sizes. I have given the measurements at a comfortable stretch lying flat but the fabric does have stretch beyond them a touch even. There are a couple of tiny repairs that are only apparent from the back

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 24-27" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist- hips: open
Length: 64" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL

Item# DD2949

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

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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.