adele simpson

Stunning 1970s Adele Simpson Red & Gold Brocade Dress w Rhinestone Detailing

Adele Simpson launched her label in 1949 and remained at its helm until the early 1980s. She became known as 'America’s First Ladies’ Designer' after dressing 6 first ladies over the course of her long career. She was also one of the founders of both the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the Fashion Group International (FGI). She favored quality and longevity over trends and her pieces were well made ready-to-wear at prices that were attainable for the modern woman. She was once asked what fashion was to her and she replied that for her it was 'a fascination with the way people all over the world express their sense of beauty.' This is a beautiful example of her work during this point of her label.

This dress is just gorgeous. It is made out of a deep red brocade mixed with an ivory pattern that covers the entire dress. worked in through the design is a muted gold thread that gives the entire dress a touch of a metallic feel. I love the elaborate floral pattern that runs over the entire dress. With the  metallic finish to them it really makes this pattern pop. The dress is cut to skim over the bust and the neckline is a simple scoop. From there the dress skims down over the waist and hips and the skirt flares out beautifully as it reaches the hem. This would be a beautiful dress just with this fabric alone but this one has the added detail of rhinestones, silver braiding and gold beads that elevate it even more. The silver braiding is laid out with the beads and rhinestones applied on top of it. It circles all the way around the neck and then runs in a double row down the front. From there it runs around the waist and is set slightly high to emphasize the empire cut feel that the dress has. More of the rhinestones and silver run around the end of each sleeve and then a panel runs up vertically to just below the elbow. This at an incredible amount of glamour to the dress and I love it. It is a stunning piece. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a red silky rayon and closes at the back with a zipper. The occasional rhinestone may have a slight darkening to it. It looks to have been worn very little.

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of shoulder to detailing at waist
Skirt: 44" from detailing at waist to hem with 3" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4224

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 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.