helena barbieri

1950s Helena Barbieri Champagne Silk Satin Beaded Dress

I am always so pleased to have a Helena Barbieri piece come into the shop as they are a rare label to find and each is very special. Her specialty was formal wear and her signatures included embellishment mixed with decadent details. You would be hard pressed to find modern counterparts as finely done and constructed as far as the workmanship and detailing in one of her gowns. This one is absolutely beautiful and could easily be used as a wedding gown for the bride looking for an alternative to a modern gown. The fabric is a rich, luxurious silk satin, in a champagne color that has just the slightest undertone of pink to it. Onto this is a hand applied design that runs over the strapless bodice, under the band at the waist and runs down and across the skirt. The design is made of floral lace cut outs that have hand applied sequins added with little clusters of prong set rhinestone crystals to form each flower's center. The skirt is cut on a slight A-line with a little more fabric at the back between two long inverted pleats so you get a suggestion of a train. An extravagant bow sits at the base of the low back and drapes softly down to just above the knee. The construction of this dress is impeccable. It is drop dead gorgeous. Excellent overall condition with a small note to review below.

Unlined with pinked seams and boning through the bodice. The applique work and finishes are all hand done. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. The bow hooks into place. The interior of the bow has built in tulle to give it a touch of fullness. There is a tiny bit of foxing/storage marks on the bow that get lost in the folds once it is on. Some slight scuffing/small marks to the silk satin here and there that is a natural occurrence with this type of fabric over time. All minor.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 6" from top of bodice to seam under waist band
Length: 45" from seam under waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2553

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.