1960s Mr Blackwell Custom Label Crystal, Bead and Pearl Illusion Dress designer-valentino Length: approx 58" from neck

Length: approx 58" from neck to hem

The skirt is a masterpiece of pleat work and an example of how finely done a pleat can be - each is very deep and uses an excessive amount of fabric - only in couture would this be as the cost would be prohibitive in RTW to so this -  and each line of the pattern in the silk brilliantly lines up perfectly with the ones beside it when the pleat closes

or it can be folded slightly to show off the pert little points

It is remarkably warm - in the video below Norma explains just why that is

"Aptly named for its sophisticated sci-fi feel

1960s Mr Blackwell Custom Label Crystal, Bead and Pearl Illusion Dress designer-valentino Length: approx 58" from neckRichard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. His 'custom' line was the pieces that were made to order, and were one of a kind pieces that were fitted to a specific client in the couture tradition. This dress is from the custom part of