Beautiful 1970s Leonard Strapless Printed Silk Jersey Dress w Matching Silk Chiffon Cape

The Leonard Paris label began as a textile firm in 1954 and for the first four years of its existence it only produced fabric. In 1958 they started making garments but it was not until about 1970 when they started using a printed silk jersey for the majority of their collections that the label really took off. They are often compared to Pucci and during the seventies the two labels battled it out to be the label of choice for the jet set.

The dress in this set is made from one of those signature silk jersey fabrics. This would have been a custom designed fabric. This fabric choice give it the perfect drape and fit. It also holds the colour of the print that covers the surface exceptionally well and the print is a s crisp and clear as when it would have been made. It is that perfect balance of being easy to wear and still having the feel of being chic and luxurious. I love the simple cut of the dress and how it flows to the floor in a swoop of bias cut silk jersey from the band around the upper bust. You just simply slip it on, zip it up and go. The cut is long and lean and the silk jersey drapes and moves with you as you move. It is cut loose and easy through the body so very comfortable to wear. Over the inner strapless dress is a silk chiffon cape that buttons at the neck and has a touch of transparency to it. The collar is defined and it is cut to fall in a point at both the front and the back. The design that covers both pieces is a mix of pretty flowers in pinks and purples on a black backdrop. Excellent condition with a small note below

Unlined and closes with a side metal and nylon zipper. The cape has a fabric covered button at the back of the neck. The dress fabric is a silk jersey and does have some stretch - the measurements given are to the comfortable stretch when laying out flat. The fabric is signed throughout. At some point someone had sewn across the back to add shape and when these stitches were removed they left a row of stitching holes. Because of the print and where they are you only notice them if you hold the fabric up to the light. Please see the photo after the label shot. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Dress
The band that sits above the bust: 15-16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam. 
Natural Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to hem

Cape
37" from neck to longest point at hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2769

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