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Not currently on display at the V&A

Dress

1971
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A sleeveless, bias-cut midi-dress of brushed cotton, printed with a design of stylized floral sprays on against an undulating mesh background in shades of plum, brown, and cream. The dress has a ‘v’ shaped neckline and fastens with a centre-back zip and a single hook and eye. The bodice is closely fitted to the body, with two front panels, joined with vertical gathers or ruching at the centre front seam and two panels at the back. A narrow black tape is stitched inside the edge of the arm openings. The bodice is seamed to the skirt at the waist. The skirt is constructed from four panels, cut very narrow at the hips, flaring into a very full circumference at the hemline. The hem is turned under a variable amount on the reverse, although is level and straight on the right side.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
'Granny print’ dress, sleeveless dress with gored skirt, ruched centre-front bodice, worn by Danuta Laughton, Biba, 1971.
Physical description
A sleeveless, bias-cut midi-dress of brushed cotton, printed with a design of stylized floral sprays on against an undulating mesh background in shades of plum, brown, and cream. The dress has a ‘v’ shaped neckline and fastens with a centre-back zip and a single hook and eye. The bodice is closely fitted to the body, with two front panels, joined with vertical gathers or ruching at the centre front seam and two panels at the back. A narrow black tape is stitched inside the edge of the arm openings. The bodice is seamed to the skirt at the waist. The skirt is constructed from four panels, cut very narrow at the hips, flaring into a very full circumference at the hemline. The hem is turned under a variable amount on the reverse, although is level and straight on the right side.
Dimensions
  • Hem circumference: 400cm
  • Bust circumference: 70cm (approximately)
  • Waist circumference: 58cm (approximately)
  • Shoulder to hem length: 125cm (approximately)
Marks and inscriptions
(No Biba label but securely identified as being from Biba by the donors. The dress is very typical of Biba designs.)
Credit line
Given by Danuta and Peter Laughton
Collection
Accession number
T.2395-2021

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Record createdOctober 7, 2021
Record URL
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