Documented 1973 Scott Barrie Pink & Green Floral Backless Silk Chiffon Dress

Scott Barrie was one of a group of black designers and models based out of New York's Seventh Avenue in the late 1960s. He quickly became known for his sensual designs and in particular, his evening wear. Naomi Sims was a fan and often was spotted wearing his work. His label closed in the early 1980s. He then worked at Krizia, remaining there up to just before his passing in 1993 of brain cancer. This gives us a very small window for finding examples of his work. The earlier pieces especially were produced in very limited amounts. The very early pieces were made by him out of his apartment on a makeshift cutting table and domestic sewing machine. To me this makes each of his found pieces that much more special.

This dress is stunning and shows his range with fabric and the more romantic side of his work. He is best known for his work in stretch jerseys but I  love this silk chiffon example. This dress has the added bonus of having a all black version of it photoed for Vogue in 1973 so we know the exact date it is from. It is very sexy in a very pretty and romantic kind of way. It is made from a bias cut silk chiffon that is printed with huge pink and coral tropical flowers on a vivid green backdrop. The lightness of the fabric choice makes it feel like the silk floats around you when you move. The bodice is fitted at the front and each sleeve is a pretty flutter of silk. The back is left completely open and bare with a small ruffle of silk edging the opening. It is just absolutely stunning. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Fully lined in a green tissue silk and closes with a low back zipper and ties behind the neck. There are some small marks on the skirt here and there - they do not detract because of the pattern but are present if you inspect it closely and flat with the fabric spread out. I photoed the ones I found and it is priced with this taken into account. The fabric is otherwise strong and stable. The zipper did not do up all the way on the dress form but does close properly on someone the correct waist size.

Bust: variable with no true side seams
Waist: 11-11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to slightly dropped waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 44" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD1262

Reference Photo: Apollonia in Scott Barrie for Vogue US, September 1973. Photo by Richard Avedon.

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