This collection was inspired by Zandra's trip to China. She came back with sketchbooks filled from her travels there that became the foundation for her 1979 'Chinese Square' print and then carried over to the Spring 1980 collection with this print that she calls 'Chinese Constructivist & Clouds'. You can also clearly see the carry over in shape from her famous Lilies dress from a few years before this. The twin of this dress appears on page 159 of the book 'The Art of Zandra Rhodes' with her catalogue identification of 80/114

This rare and amazing dress is made entirely of hand painted silk chiffon over an inner layer of silk jersey. You can actually feel the paint on top of the fabric. The bodice is cut loose and full and dips down at the front with a V neckline. The sleeves are cut to be very wide and full and you can see in the reference photo just how wide they are. They come out from the waist and fall to about the elbow once on. Their edges are embellished with little droplets. Around the neckline there are pearlized beads and all of the edges there and elsewhere are hand rolled. Rows of rhinestones shoot out from the centre of the elasticized waist up and over the bodice and then more rhinestone rows run down the panel below the waist. These catch the light and add a little bit of extra glamour to the dress. The waist is finished with a gathered elastic band that looks good on its own or you can add a sash to tie over the elastic like you see in the book photo. The skirt is beautiful. It is made up of three layers. There is a panel that circles the waist that ends in points. These then have droplets at their ends to give them a touch of weight so that they sit properly. Then a second silk layer sits under that and this one falls the length of the skirt in an asymmetrical cut and ends in different lengths with more droplets applied to the points. Last is a ruffled edged pale blue silk jersey skirt that peeks out from under the top silk layers. It is a true work of art and very special. Excellent condition

Lined with a silk through the bodice and silk jersey through the skirt with the sleeves left unlined. The dress has an elastic waist and slips on to wear so should work on a range of sizes. Hand finished throughout. The edges are  hand rolled  and the silk chiffon is hand painted.

Sleeves: 18" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: variable
Waist: 12-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips on inner lining: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 12.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3634

Reference Photo: From the book "The Art Of Zandra Rhodes".

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