donald brooks

Incredible 1971-1973 Donald Brooks Backless Black Jersey Dress w Ribbon Ties

I love finding Donald Brooks pieces. They are very well made and his boutique pieces especially have a sense of fun about them that I love. Brooks launched his main line label in 1964. He only designed for a very short time, closing his business in 1973. He had a secondary, boutique line that he started in 1971 that also closed in 1973. This dress is from the boutique line which gives us that small time period from 1971-1973 for its date. I have had that one in the shop before and it is amazing to have another version now for you. 

The dress is insanely sexy and bare feeling with a halter style front that plunges right to the waist. It ties behind the neck and then the back is left completely open and bare. The dress is made of a black silk jersey that drapes like a dream and feels amazing on the body. Despite its bareness at the back it is cleverly cut so that when you have it on it stays in place. The front drapes over you and gathers along the top of the neck. It ties at the back and those ties extend out to extra extra long wide satin ribbon ties. I have tied and wrapped them around the waist for most of these photos but you can also tie them under the bust to create more shape through the body. They are very long so you could probably come up with a few more options too. I love this because it gives you more ways to wear it. The waist cinches in so that the top blouses over it a touch and then the skirt falls from there is a swoop of black jersey, widening out as it nears the floor. I love it. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes with a low back zipper and hook & eye at the waist. The ties can be tied numerous ways and are attached at the neck.

Bust: variable as there are no side seams and should fit a range of bust sizes
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist but can be tied to adjust the length if needed
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD4101

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.