1960s Werle Black Organza & Embroidered Lace Transparent Back Dress
Dan Werle launched his label just after the end of World War II and by the 1950s was dressing Hollywood starlets and his designs made regular appearances on Loretta Young for her TV show 'The Loretta Young Show' that ran from 1953 to 1961. She often launched her show wearing one of his designs and it was that publicity that made his label thrive.
This is an absolute stunning dress from the label that mixes a textured organza with medallions of cotton lace and plays with transparency. The sleeves and skirt are made from a ripple textured organza that has just enough weight and structure to it to hold the lovely fullness that you see in the sleeves and the skirt. This is mixed with a embroidered cotton that is formed into round discs that are then attached and laid out flat beside each other to cover the entire front bodice. I love how this is angled up towards the neck to give a touch of transparency over the shoulders. This bodice treatment is backed in a nude chiffon so from a distance you have the illusion that you are here between the discs. A thick band of this same technique is also used at the hem. The cut is simple but dramatic and fully covers the body. The neck is high and the sleeves are long and cut with a huge pouf balloon sleeve finish above the wrists. The skirt is quite full and it flows to the floor in a lovely cascade of fabric. This sits over an inner skirt which gives the fabric on the skirt a touch of depth. At the back the dress has a single layer of the organza and once it closes at the beck of the neck you are left with a wide bare expanse of skin. It is chic but very sexy at the same time. This is the more glamorous version of the hostess dress and it is wonderful. Excellent condition.
The skirt is fully lined in a black opaque crepe and the front of the bodice is backed in a nuder silk. The sleeves and back are left unlined. It closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper and hidden snaps at the back of the neck. Each sleeve has elastic at its ends.
Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: approx 17-19" flat across but with no true defined seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3504
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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