Michael Novarese designed gowns for many of the Hollywood scene including Jane Russell, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore, Elizabeth Taylor and many others. His earlier pieces from the 1960s and seventies in particular are wonderful. As a designer he made the decision to create only high end pieces using beautiful fabrics and proper sewing techniques.This dress is a really great representation of his work. The best of his pieces have a slight renaissance style to them, a play on his Italian heritage. I love the bold sleeves of this dress and how they are cut with a slightly puffed feel near the shoulder. They stay wide and full and then are cuffed in at the elbow. The bodice has a square cut to the neckline and it is cut to skim over the bust. The waist is cut to fall looser, but can also be cinched to add shape. The skirt flows to the floor in a widening A-line shape that really shows off the print to full advantage. The lines of the dress are kept simple so that the fabric takes center stage. In person it is even better then how it has photoed. The ribbon woven silk has a bright floral print that is interspersed with bands of black and gold that catch the light when you move. The fabric itself is light in weight so it feels wonderful on. Very well made inside and out. Excellent condition.

The bodice and skirt are lined in a black silk with an additional interlining of black silk organza through the skirt. That same silk organza lines the  sleeves. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: inset at 13", the shoulders sits under the cap of the sleeve not at these seams
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1612

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