1970s Utah Tailoring Black Silk Dress with Green and Blue Florals

The silk fabric in this late 1970s to early 1980s custom made dress is mesmerising. Striped black and sheer chiffon patterned with white and cobalt blue florals nestle against green foliage so bright it’s almost neon. The chiffon is sheer and so the dress is lined with a full-length black satin slip. The bell-sleeves remain unlined and therefore sheer; they are finished with a glossy black spherical button at the cuffs. This gown is cut to a graceful, sweeping maxi silhouette with a rounded neckline. The skirt is softly pleated and falls to the ankle. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden tonal green zip and hook-and-eye clasp. It has a detachable belt crafted from black satin; it is threaded with tulip-shaped flowers cut from coordinating printed silk.

In excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. The dress was made by the famous Utah Tailoring Mills and there is no size or composition label so please check our measurements below. The fabric does not have any stretch to it. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist: 24" (61cm), Hips: 34" (86cm) and Height: 5' 4" (164cm). She wears a size UK 6, US 0-2. We believe the dress would best fit sizes up to a UK 10-12, US 6-8.

Notes on the Designer: Founded in 1934 in Ogden, Utah, by Norm Bingham and Clyde Buehler, Utah Tailoring Mills was a made-to-measure dressmaking house serving a private clientele. Garments were created to individual measurements, often with the client’s name embroidered into the label. By the 1950s, the company employed over 100 workers and a national sales force, and became known for glamorous advertising featuring Hollywood actresses. By the 1970s, dresses typically sold for $400–$500 reflecting their craftsmanship and exclusivity.

After Buehler sold his interest to Boyd Bingham, Norm's son, in 1977, the house became increasingly exclusive. Under Boyd’s leadership, prices rose to $1,500–$2,500, and during the 1980s and 1990s the clientele consisted largely of ultra-wealthy women whose identities were kept private. A devastating fire in 1998 caused irreparable losses, and the company ultimately ceased operations in 2001, closing the chapter on one of America’s most discreet and luxurious custom dressmakers.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)

WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)

HIP - 46 in. (117 cm)

LENGTH - 48 in. (122 cm)