ARCHIVE - 1970s Gina Fratini Blue & White Lace and Cotton Dress and Gilet Set

1970s white cotton muslin Gina Fratini dress with blue embroidered waistcoat. This is an ensemble piece with 2 components and the dress is an incredibly flamboyant and romantic affair. It is a long, double tiered dress with three layers. The first, an underdress is a quality cotton full length sheath. The second layer and the first of the muslin layers, is A-line and full length with a deep bottom flounce and is also edged in lace. The final third and top layer is around tunic length. The dress has a high collar with Juliet sleeves and ruffle frill, buttoned cuffs. These are edged in a different kind of lace that is also present around the neckline. The tunic part of the top layer also has a flounce and with the mass of fabric and layers, the dress has an ethereal, floaty appearance.

The waistcoat is separate to the dress and made of a diamond quilted baby blue linen. In each of the diamonds is an embroidered 5 petal flower. The jacket is entirely lace edged in what appears to be a handmade lace. Gina Fratini did repurpose antique fabrics and trim in some of her garments and it is lovely to see repurposing of beautiful antique lace from a much earlier era. The jacket ties to the front and sides with two long ties also embroidered with flowers. The dress fastens to the rear and the cotton underdress has a long concealed back zip. The muslin layers open and fasten at the top of the high collar with a hook and eye. The dress of course can be worn on its own but to complete the look, the waistcoat exemplifies the romantic fashion of the era and Gina Fratini was the undisputed queen of this style. Both pieces are labelled Gina Fratini, Made in England. Condition wise this piece is absolutely perfect, there are no faults of any note and this would make a fantastic wedding dress. This would be a best fit for UK 8-10, US 4-6 but could be made larger with work to the underdress as the muslin layers are trapeze shaped.

NOTES ON DESIGNER:

Gina Fratini was a British designer renowned during the 1970s and early 1980s for her romantic gowns which were of elaborate construction. She was a favourite of Princess Diana who wore her designs on several state occasions. Elizabeth Taylor famously chose a medieval style Gina Fratini gown for her second marriage to Richard Burton.

MEASUREMENTS:
DRESS:
BUST - 31 in. (78.7 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71.1 cm)
HIP - 34 in. (86.4 cm)
LENGTH - 57 in. (144.8 cm)
SHOULDERS - 13 in. (33 cm)

GILET:
BUST - 32 in. (81.3 cm)
WAIST - 32 in. (81.3 cm)
LENGTH - 20 in. (50.8 cm)
SHOULDERS - 15 in. (38.1 cm)