biba

Documented 1970 Biba Bishop Sleeve Moss Crepe Dress

This is an absolutely incredible dress and once on the body it flows and drapes into place beautifully. It is from the 1970 collection and is documented in the "A To Biba" where a photo of a model wearing its twin was captured at the press launch party for the Biba make-up range on Kensington High Street in April of 1970. This is everything you look for in Biba dress, from the signature black moss crepe fabric that is so representative of this era, to the incredible flowing bias cut, to those amazing  Bishop cut sleeves. Those sleeves are the star of the show on this dress and they are incredible. This is classic Biba at its best and each billows out in a huge pouf of fabric above the elastic cuff. Above that they narrow to a slimmer fit over the upper arm which gives them balance and mimics the flared cut of the bodice and skirt. The front bodice is fitted and plunges quite low and it is gathered with seaming just under the bust. From there the black moss crepe is cut on the bias and flows from just under the bust to the floor in a beautiful sweeping column that widens as it nears the ground. The cut is supermodel long so it adds height to the girl wearing it. This is Biba at her best and even now feels incredibly relevant and modern. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Elastic at each cuff

Sleeves: 32" but pouf up and shorten once on
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under-bust: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12" from neck to under-bust
Skirt: 45" from under-bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1290

Reference photo credits: Image from the "A To Biba" book by Barbara Hulanicki, Blogger Anita Clarke of "I Want, I Got"

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.