1968 George Halley Couture Strapless Bandeau Gown with Heavily Beaded 1968 George Halley Couture Strapless Bandeau Gown with Heavily Beaded 1960s Important George Halley Crystal Encrusted Couture Caftan at 1stDibs 1960s George Halley Silk & Jewel Gypsy Gown Shrimpton Couture. This phenomenal vibrant pink silk brocade evening gown is undeniably exquisite in its cut and design. The sheer sexiness of the cut combined with that beautiful fabric combine to create one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever had pass through my hands. The fabric is a beautiful weight silk that has just enough weight to it to hold the shape and volume the piece requires. The front has a sweetheart neckline and is strapless while back is completely bare right to the waist curving around the body in soft line from the corseted front. The interior has a full boned and cupped foundation garment built in with wide elastic banding that hooks into place so you can feel secure in the daring design. The skirt is cut with a dramatic and very full cut that swings out from the waist and is also a touch longer and has more fabric in the back for maximum impact. It is tremendously full with yards and yards of fabric but sits perfectly once one. Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he "was a genius at draping". By the time he opened his own atelier in 1966 he was in full form and was a master cutter as well. His work is on par with couture and each piece is hand finished and has all the lovely high end details one looks for in proper couture. He is without doubt one of my favorites and I treasure each piece I can acquire. Excellent, museum quality condition The bodice has a full built in corset at the front which has its own elastic band that hooks into place around the low back. The skirt is unlined with ribbon edged seams. I suspect that at some pint the dress has been altered around the waist and perhaps the back was taken out. It closes at the back waist with an overlap of fabric that secures with velcro this presents perfectly fine once on and the sash wraps around ad covers all of this area from site anyway. Under that at the skirt waist is a hand painted, metal zipper. Hand finished Bust: No true side seams but will fit an A small C cup Waist: 11 12. 5" flat across from side seam to side seam of the elastic band inside Hips: open Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, and 46" to back hem Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS SML Item# DD2223 This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.