Vintage 1970s Blue Velvet Dress by Norbert Carlin Vienna Montreal Size M

This is a lovely quality early 1970s era dress made by Norbert Carlin, a fashion importer based in Montreal and Vienna - I assume that the velvets were imported from Vienna to Canada.  I’ve been able to find very little about this company other than they were located at 416 de Maisonneuve, Montreal, active during the early 70s, and supplied velvet dresses to Ogilvy’s, which was a high end Montreal fashion retailer.  It appears that Norbert was Norbert Schachter.  

This dress is beautifully hand finished using high quality silk velvet fabric.  The velvet is printed with a vibrant blue floral pattern against a black background.  It is made with wrist length sleeves, a V shaped neckline, empire waist and cut to accentuate the waist with a full length skirt that has a flare to the hemline so that it falls in drapes.  The empire waistline is gathered in tucks above the seam. The dress does up the back with a nylon zipper.  It is fully lined in a violet acetate fabric. 

Age: early 1970s

Label: Norbert Carlin Vienna Montreal  

Sizing: No size is indicated as this was probably custom fit, but this should fit a medium size - please note the following measurements for fit:

Shoulders:  16” across

Sleeves:  22 1/2”

Sleeve inseam:  17”

Bust: 37” around, taken under the arm pits 

Empire waist:  33” around

True waist: 30”  around

Hips:  37” around

Overall length: 53”, measured flat

Condition:  It is in very good condition with no wear, tear, staining or odour - this dress looks to have seen little use and was well stored over the years. 

This is an excellent quality dress, probably worn by a Montreal society lady - striking colour, nice addition to a collection of Canadian fashion.....