Vintage 1960s Belinda Bellville Evening Dress Jeune Couture

$450.00

Brand Poppy's Vintage Clothing

This is a wonderful 1960s Belinda Bellville evening dress - Bellville was considered the most influential British couture house during the 60s through the 80s, please read about Bellville further down this page.  This Belinda Bellville evening dress is made in a full length sheath style with a lace trimmed collar and a bodice that buttons with five rhinestone buttons - the opening is also trimmed in lace.  The waist is decorated with a rhinestone covered belt with round rhinestone faux buckle and black velvet ribbon front - the belt secured with snaps.  The sleeves have French style cuffs decorated by two rhinestone buttons - the cuffs are also trimmed in lace. The skirt is gathered under the waist so as to flare out and fall in drapes.  This Belinda Bellville evening dress does up with a zipper down the upper back and snaps at the upper skirt and is fully lined in black rayon taffeta.

Labels: Belinda Bellville Boutique London England.  Jeune Couture Made in England.  Belinda Bellville started her business in 1953, specializing in party and society dresses.  David Sassoon joined the firm in 1958, supplying technical expertise - in 1970 the label was changed from Belinda Bellville to Bellville Sassoon as he was promoted to partner.  During the 60s and 70s, they dressed many of the members of the Royal Family as well as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Catherine Deneuve.  Bellville retired in 1981, but Sassoon continued the label, producing some 70 outfits for Princess Diana.  

Fabric:  The label on this Belinda Bellville evening dress reads: Main Fabric: 91% acetate / 9% nylon Linings:  100% Rayon Taffeta 100% Nylon Neg (?).  The exterior has the appearance of slubbed raw silk even though it is synthetic. 

Sizing: Size 10 is indicated on this Belinda Bellville evening dress, and although this should fit a medium size, please note the following measurements for fit:

Shoulders: 14 1/2” across shoulder/sleeve seams

Sleeves:  22” from the shoulder/sleeve seam

Sleeve inseam:  15 1/2”

Bust:  36” around 

Waist:  26”-27” around

Hips:  40” around, but meant to fall loosely

Overall length: 55 1/2“, measured flat at the back from the neck seam

Condition: This Belinda Bellville evening dress is in very clean condition with no wear, tear, staining or odour.  The only defects are a rhinestone replacement on the buckle that has yellowed and a missing rhinestone on the fourth button on the bodice.  This Belinda Bellville evening dress looks like it saw little use and has been well stored and cared for over the years.

This is a wonderful Belinda Bellville evening dress….interesting piece for the British fashion collector, and a wonderful example of a Belinda Bellville evening dress!