Fall 1995 Zandra Rhodes 'The Fairy Collection' Hand Painted Metallic Gold Lace & Silk Dress

Zandra Rhodes is one of my favourite designers and I love that we were able to verify this one and date it. When hunting for the date we found a runway photo that is perhaps not the best runway photo ever but it does effectively date the address to the Fall 1995 'Fairy' collection. She showed the collections during London Fashion Week at the Dickins & Jones department store on Oxford Street. The collection was meant to represent a whimsical magical  land that fairies would exist in. The dress is gorgeous and even better in person.

This is a stunning dress that combined black lace and chiffon with gold lace and painted gold detailing. The skirt is hand painted and then the lace on the top picks up on that gold and black design. The bodice is made of a black lace netting that has gold metallic thread woven through it to highlight the design in the fabric. The neckline is squared off and I love how the edges of the lace follow the pattern across the neck and back to soften the straight line there. The sleeves curve over the shoulders and then run down the arm to just past the elbow. They are unlined so you get a glimpse of your skin through them. The top curves down past the waist and flares out over the top of the hips. The skirt is set under that and widens out beautifully as it nears the hem. The skirt is constructed in layers. The very top layer is a silk organza and then under that are two layers of tulle. The very inner lining is a black silky rayon. These built in layers are what gives it the fullness that you see and I have not added any extra underskirts. I love it. That top layer of silk is completely covered with one of Zandra's signature designs. The gold runs over the entire surface in these stunning hand painted sun patterns. It is gorgeous. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back hidden set zipper. The skirt is made up of multiple layers of  as described above. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Tagged a UK 12, US 10. 

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3605

Reference Photo: Fall 1995 Zandra Rhodes Runway.

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