ARCHIVE: 1960s Mike Bennett Ivory Sequinned Evening Dress or Wedding Gown

This is a superb mid 1960s sequinned gown labelled Mike Bennett Formals, a company founded in the early 1960's in Pittsburg, Texas. Undoubtedly, the most striking feature is the lavish sequinned embellishment over the front of the dress in a combination of clear sequins with white iridescent sequins sweeping the sweetheart neckline. The design comprises a large floral spray, also made of of the white iridescent sequins that breaks up the tightly packed clear sequence of scrolls. The sweetheart neckline and bodice is beautifully shaped and darted whilst the skirt is cut from several A-line panels of cream sateen fabric that give the dress a full flared skirt. The dress does up to the rear with the original concealed zip as well as hook and eyes. Turning the dress inside out, there is a tiered net underskirt that is attached to the waistline which provides structure to the front sequinned area. The rest of the dress is unlined and could be worn with or without a stiffened under skirt.

Condition is good overall. This can certainly be worn to a red carpet event or as a glamorous evening dress. The bodice is excellent - very clean and fresh and there is no sequin loss. On close inspection we noted a liner area of faint brown staining and a further two areas where there is faint circular yellow staining, both on the back of the dress. There are a faint marks residing along some segments of the bottom hem sweeping the floor but this is very minor. We have dry cleaned the dress which has improved the condition to the point where these stains are virtually unnoticeable when wearing due to aligning with the hidden folds of the skirt. Dresses such as these are notoriously difficult to find in superb condition so we have been cautious with this listing - she is still a very beautiful dress. Suitable for up to size UK 6-8 or US 2-4.

MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 34 in (86.4 cm)
Waist - 25 in (63.5 cm)
Hip - FREE
Length - 59 in (149.9 cm)
Shoulders - FREE