1970s Anna Cat Medieval Silk Organza Peach Juliet Sleeved Dress

This late 1960s dress by Annacat is really something special and the best we've ever seen from the British design duo Janet Lyle and Maggie Keswick. It is a fairy-tale concoction of cream Georgette overlaid on a peach underdress. It is magnificent for its sheer number of design features and the level of care with which it has been made. It features a wide scoop neck with gathered ruffle frill; the sleeves are an exaggerated trumpet sleeve, close fitting for the first section of the arm but then widening into an almost three-quarter length flared open section at the cuffs. Each of the arms has an organza tie that can be used to style the sleeve element. The dress has a low waist point that is also edged in ruffle trim. We lost count of the number of bespoke fabric covered buttons this dress contains running down the front for the entire length of the dress. There is a lavish amount of fabric in the flared full-length skirt and it has a very considerable train. The dress is in extraordinary antique condition and has clearly only been worn once for the big day. It would make a very special wedding dress for a modern bride and is a best fit for around a size UK 8 on top, and 10 on bottom or smaller.


Annacat, was a boutique that opened in 1965 near South Kensington and was known as the Biba of Brompton Road. Due to the founders' connections as London socialites, they were championed by Diana Vreeland Of British Vogue. Patrick Lichfield, the Queen's cousin, had invested in the shop and sold his own line of designer menswear there. They were also amongst the first to retail Laura Ashley designs prior to the brand moving to their own retail premises. By 1970 the label was sold and the shop closed. Although a fleeting moment in fashion history, the label is highly prized for its contribution to London fashion during the 'swinging sixties'.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 33 in. (83.8 cm)
Waist - 29 in. (73.7 cm)
Hip - 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Min. Length - 61 in. (154.9 cm) Max. Length - 87 in. (221 cm)
Shoulders - 16 in. (40.6 cm)