About the Dress

A fine and rare 1970s Gina Fratini cream silk and cotton mousseline dress which really encapsulates the bohemian aesthetic and was almost certainly commissioned as a wedding dress or for a very special event. Gina was renowned for her romantic and luxury take on 'Victoriana' during the late 1960s all the way through to the 1980s. Elizabeth Taylor famously chose a medieval style gown for her second marriage to Richard Burton and she was very popular with Diana, Princess of Wales, who wore a near identical dress on her tour of Canada in 1983 (as pictured). This particular piece we feel is a little earlier; from the late 1970s or possibly early 1980s and is one of the most extravagant designs we have seen outside of a museum.

The floor length dress has an empire waist and is made of the finest cream silk and cotton muslin materials, with lace insert details, in a style reminiscent of the 1850s. The gathered sleeves tie with a ribbon at the cuff, whilst the intricate bodice has an integral caplet overlay to the cotton blouse element. Gina often used antique lace in her work and there is a lavish amount of beautiful machine lace and ruffle trim, interwoven with a cream ribbon to match the silk. The fabric is gathered to the waist, which features a ribbon and lace decorative belt.

There are three skirts which together have a lovely weight to them and excite movement: the first two are liners in a beautiful quality cream rayon that add volume. The final cream silk overlay is trimmed with lace all the way down to the hem, which falls slightly longer at the back, creating a short train. The dress fastens with buttons down the back of the bodice, poppers for the waist belt and a zip for the skirt portion.

The details on this dress are truly spectacular and it is in wonderful vintage condition, with no stains or flaws of any note. She has been carefully cleaned by us and is now remarkably fresh looking and ready to wear for her next big occasion. The design would best fit up to a UK 10, or 6 US. Our model is a UK 6-8, US 2-4 so there was room to spare.

MEASUREMENTS:
BUST: 32 in. (81.28 cm)
WAIST: 28 in. (71.12 cm)
HIP: 44 in. (111.76 cm)
LENGTH: 55 in. (139.7 cm)