This dress only has its Gump's department store label but I am pretty certain it is an Oscar de Renta based on pieces I have had in the past. Gump's was based out of San Francisco and they did carry Oscar's work. The dress is priced based on how fabulous the dress is on its own right. It is rare to find such a stunning vintage velvet piece that still feels infinitely wearable and modern.

The dress is almost a caftan feeling piece that you can wear loose and easy or cinch it with a ribbon or belt. The fabric on this one is what takes center stage and it is absolutely beautiful. It is a fused silk velvet on a feather light weight black chiffon. Each little velvet bit of the pattern is edged with a gold eyelash metallic lame that has been pulled through the velvet to create an edge on each individual piece of the pattern. This catches the light from every angle and gives the dress this fantastic bit of a metallic feel. The velvet is this amazing gold toned coral colour that changes shades slightly as it runs over the dress. The pattern is laid out vertically in long curves with just a bit of the black chiffon showing through. It is unlined so you get a glimpse of skin showing through the chiffon parts. It is very light and fluid. To look at it you might think it is heavier but the weight is very light so it moves over you like a dream. The cut is very loose and easy and should fit a range of sizes. It is a simple open shape with a full and wide cut through the body. The fabric is bias cut so there is a lot more room in there then it seems at first glance. The neckline is scooped on both sides with a keyhole and button at the back. Each sleeve ends with elastic and that they are very full above that. It is supermodel long and you can change the shape by adding a ribbon like I did for these shots, or add a more structured belt, or wear it loose and easy so its more like a caftan. It is a great piece that is easy to wear and has lots of impact. It still has its Gump's hang tag and was never worn. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear with a button & loop at the back of the neck above a small keyhole. The fabric is light and easy to wear. Never worn. The loose cut should work on a range of sizes. I think if you are very tiny you could wear it off the shoulders too. The ribbon is not original to the dress but will be included. It is more a coral in person then the red some shots went to.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD3984

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

The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967 which makes this dress from one of his very earliest collections for this line. His boutique label is important as is marked the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning example of his work during these early days of his career. 

I love this dress. It is made out of a gorgeous deep brown velvet that gives it a really beautiful texture. The velvet has a flat pile and there is a bit of a vertical texture worked into it that helps add length when you have it on. It is a really stunning detail. To contrast this and give the dress a touch of a metallic feel Oscar then added a wide silver and gold metal thread panel of ribbon to follow the notched neckline. This panel of fabric runs down each side of the neckline and then circles around the collar. That same metallic fabric is used to cover the edges of the matching belt. The belt is fabulous in its own right. It is cut wide and then peaks where it meets in the middle. To close it, it has a long matching velvet tie that loops through the brass coloured grommets and then laces up as tight as you wish. The fabric of the dress is light in weight so that the dress is very easy to wear. It has long sleeves and each sleeve poufs out over the cuff. The cuffs are done in the same metallic fabric to pick up on the belt and neckline. Each is also slit down the sides so you see part of your arm. Very unusual and very chic once on. The skirt cascades to the floor gently widening out as it nears the hem. And it has pockets. It is really a gorgeous dress and very well made. Excellent condition with a minor note below.

Fully lined in a brown silky rayon. Closes with a back zipper and a hook at the top of the neck. Each cuff snaps to close. The inner back of the belt has stiffened a bit and it was stored folded. This does not effect the front at all but you see the fold lines on the back. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to centre of band at waist
Skirt: 41.5" from centre of band at waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3878

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