c.1980 Jean Muir Cape Back Museum Piece Dress
Jean Muir is renowned for her cut and use of fluid flowing silk like jerseys and this is a beautiful example of that. It has the added plus if being a version of the same dress design that is currently held in The Metropolitan Museum's collection (see photo attached of the long, red version and you can view it on their site here). I have also included a photo of a similar dress from an editorial done for Encens Magazine in the Fall/Winter 2014 issue.
The cut of the dress is simple, yet dramatic and the fabric choice is fabulous. The light weight fluid crepe silk jersey moves fabulously once on the body. Vertical seams run around the neckline and each opens to allow the volume you see through the body. These seams act almost like a breastplate giving the dress the most interesting visual detailing. Each seam is done with her signature top stitching in a matching olive thread. This dresses would have been made by one single person in her atelier from start to finish - during this time period all of her pieces where meticulously constructed in this manner. It is really spectacular and literally transforms when worn. It has a definite thirties feel to it and the drama of that back cape effect is spectacular. It runs around the shoulders and acts as sleeves. At the back it dips down for great effect. You can belt this to give it more shape and also to highlight the drape of the cape more. Excellent condition
Unlined and closes with a back, painted metal zipper and a hidden snap closes the neck of the cape at the back. The cape is attached. Hidden pockets along each side seam. I see a couple of teeny tiny repairs near the shoulder where there was a pinhole in the fabric and a smudge on the front skirt along with some very very minor color changes - with the volume of fabric none of this can be detected when on - you have to have to flat and fully spread out to see any of these, but is noted for accuracy. Priced accordingly
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 46" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-XL
Item# DD2230
First reference photo as seen in Encens Magazine, Fall/Winter 2014. Second reference photo from The Metropolitan Museum of Art 'The Collection Online'.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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SIZE GUIDE
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.
