An amazing vintage 1970s cocktail or party dress! The fitted bodice is lace, overlaid with soutache braid and lined in illusion netting. Sleeves are unlined to show your natural skin tones underneath. The lightly gathered velvet skirt is completely embellished with a painted-on floral motif in glowing tones. The skirt has a left side seam slit for ease in walking and dancing.

SIZE: No size label 

FABRIC/COLORS: The bodice and sleeves are constructed  from lace - Duchesse? Guipure? Renaissance? and the bodice is completely lined in a crisp and sturdy chiffon in caucasian skin tone. The skirt is velvet, feels like rayon. Lace and velvet are midnight blue. The painting is done with just five colors - primarily sky blue, turquoise, and spring green, with a little neon pink and white.

TAGS: Richilene, New York.

Richilene was the husband and wife team of Ilene and Richard Pacun. Their design house opened in New York in 1971, specializing in cocktail party and evening wear. A NY Times article commented in 1986 that “debs debut, playgirls party and maidens marry” in Richilene. Their clothing was sold in exclusive stores like Elizabeth Arden, Saks Fifth Avenue and Martha and retailed in the $525 to $2,000 range in the late 80s/early 90s.

CLOSURES: A long nylon zipper down the back.

CONDITION: There are belt loop threads but no belt. It is shown with a black leather belt in one of the photos for inspiration - that belt is not included with purchase. The dress itself is in excellent condition - I don't see any stains, holes, or tears.