This is the work of Elinor Simmons who designed for the Malcolm Starr label from the early 1960s to 1972. She excelled at the heavy embellished piece that the label was known for and this is a wonderful example of her work. It is even more amazing in person and the photos cannot convey the weight and presence of it. It is incredible

This is a stunning dress. This is the kind of piece that you only find in vintage because they just could not make things at this level anymore. The price would be too cost prohibitive. The entire dress is made from a gold net that is feels like it has actual meal worked into the thread. Then onto that is an extensive design done in a gold braid. The gold braid is hand set into little curving swirls and loops that cover the entire dress. Wider panels made of the same braiding run down and highlight the lines of the dress. These edge the neckline, meet in the center and then run to meet another panel of cording that circles the waist. That center panel then continues past the waist to the hem. To add yet another layer of glamour the fabric has hundreds of prong set iridescent rhinestones mixed with sequins and beads scattered over its surface. The makes the entire dress shimmer and catch the light from every angle. The net has a touch of transparency to it and sits over a nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and then has an ivory underlay for the skirt. The cut is simple so that the gold can take center stage. The bodice is sleeveless with a V front. The waist nips in slightly and then the skirt falls under that and widens out as it nears the hem. It is a beauty. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a combination of nude silk lingerie netting through the bodice and a cream satin under the skirt. It closes with a back painted metal zipper on the interior lining and has fabric covered buttons and loops on the exterior dress that sits over that. I see some grubbiness to the  edge of the inner hem that does not show when its on. The inner skirt has impressions of the netting on it from previous storage. It otherwise looks to have been worn very little.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to bottom seam of waist including the 2" band
Skirt: 38.5" from bottom of seam at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3928

Reference Photo: Model in Malcolm Starr, Harper's Bazaar, 1968. Photo by Neal Barr.

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