1970s Smock Tent Dress by Jean Varon in Black and White Polyester

Age: 1970s

Label:  Jean Varon Made in England

Color: White and Black

Material: (Labelled) 100% Polyester 

Sizing: Size 8 is indicated, so should fit a medium size - please rely on the following measurements for fit:

• Shoulders: 18” across approximated due to raglan cut
• Sleeves:  26” long approximated
• Sleeve inseam:  20 1/2”
• Neck:  15” around
• Bust: 42” around, taken under the arms, but meant to hang loosely
• Waist: 46” around
• Hips:  56” around
• Overall length: 42"

Wonderful vintage dress made in a wide cut smocked tent style by Jean Varon, an influential British designer of the period. Dress has a high button-up neckline, raglan cut balloon sleeves and does up with nine mother-of-pearl shell buttons down the front. Shoulders are slightly padded. Neck can be worn up or open. Print features bands of diamonds separated by vertical zigzag lines and a geometric border at the bottom of the garment.

Condition: Very good 

• no wear, tear, staining or odors
• looks like it saw little use and well stored over the years.  

About the Designer: John Bates, an English designer, adopted the design name Jean Varon in 1959.  He is known as an innovative designer at the vanguard of British mod design during the '60s due to his modernist sensibility, short hemlines (credited by British Vogue as the originator of the mini-skirt) and use of futuristic materials such as plastics and mesh.  He also designed wardrobe for Emma Peel of the television series “The Avengers” in 1965.