George Stavropoulos was known for his evening wear and his signature looks that often involved draping and the use of multiple layers of silk done on a bias cut. He focused on cut and fabric to convey the beauty of each piece. It was said that his gowns "seemed to float on air". He launched his label in 1960 and soon was dressing women like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Barbra Streisand and Maria Callas. His dresses were made by hand and to couture standards. By the early 1980s a gown by him started at around $8500 and they went up in cost from there - that starting price point equals to around $26,000US in today's dollars. So when you buy a vintage Stavropoulos gown you are getting incredible value for your money.

The simplicity of this dress when you first look at it hides the incredible craftsmanship used to create it. I love the light and airy feel of the dress that is created by the yards and yards of silk chiffon used in its construction. Working in this type of fabric is already difficult and this would have taken many hours of work to execute the making of this dress by hand. The column of silk that you see has been cut on the bias. Incredibly, there are four full layers of silk used to make up the body of the dress. This gives it enough of an opaqueness to wear and also gives it a lovely movement and makes it very comfortable to wear once on the body. The layers sit over each other perfectly aligned and in a sheath silhouette so it is very easy to wear. The sleeves are made of a single layer of the chiffon. On one shoulder is an attached long panel that gives it a caped effect. This trails all the way down to the hem and adds a touch of drama as you move. It flows behind you as you walk and it creates a very pretty effect with its slight transparency. It is very beautiful. Excellent condition with a couple of minor notes below

The body of the dress has four layers of silk chiffon. It closes with a hand set, zipper at the back. Immaculately constructed. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The bias cut allows for some range in the measurements as indicated below. There is the slightest bit of a pull on one sleeve. I see the slightest bit of teeny snags to the silk here and there but very very minor and just mentioned for accuracy. Please see the last photo after the label shot.

Shoulders: 14.5
Sleeves: 25"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem and may come up a little when on due to the bias cut

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3346

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