oscar de la renta

Amazing 1971 Oscar de la Renta Bandana Handkerchief Dress w Elastic Off Shoulder Bodice

The Oscar de La Renta boutique label first appeared in 1967. His boutique label is important as it is know for being the first ready-to-wear line for a Seventh Avenue designer to be launched. These early pieces have lots of hand finishes and are just stunning examples of his work during these early days of his career. I am certain that this dress is from Spring 1971. I have had dresses in other colours with the same bodice treatment and that is the only collection that I am aware of that he did under this label with this type of treatment through the top. 

I love this dress. It is not only so easy to wear and so cute, but I don't think it was ever worn. The cotton is as crisp and bright as if it had just come off a rack. It is light in weight and feels exactly what it looks like - an early rendition of the bandana. The lightness of the fabric mixed with its crisp finish is what lets it move so beautifully over the body once it is on. When you walk, the fabric of the skirt and that fabulous handkerchief hem catch the air and move around you. The colour is a beautiful true red and the print layers white and black on top of the red cotton in a classic bandana design. The top is fully finished with horizontal elastics that give it the stretch and feel of a tube top. He has left a bit of a ruffle around the neckline. The sleeves have the same elastic treatment with another ruffle at their ends. I have photoed the dress with it sitting fully off of the shoulder, but you could also wear it higher up on the shoulder if you wished. The gathering goes to the top of the hip so you get an amazing shape through the body. The skirt falls from there skimming over the hips. Depending on your height the skirt falls from just below the knee to mid-calf. It appears to have never been worn or worn very little. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric through the bodice where it is finished with elastic has a lot of stretch. I have put the comfortable range of measurements below when laying flat.

Sleeves: approx 8.5" and the upper arm will stretch from 12-20" around
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 15-22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of shoulder to where the elastic ends
Total length: 51" from top of shoulder to longest points of the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4959

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Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.

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