Vintage 1960s Purple Silk Metallic Gold Evening Gown Goddess Dress Rappi Size M

This is a striking evening gown made by Rappi during the 1960s.  The style is quite opulent, and reminds me of something that Cleopatra would have worn - in fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if Rappi was inspired by the movie Cleopatra, which was released in 1963.  The fabric is fantastic - metallic gold horizontal striping on a purple fabric that I believe is silk.  Although there is no content label, I can’t imagine it being anything else with all of the metallic embellishment.  The neckline is decorated with metallic gold braid appliqué that is studded with purple rhinestones.  The waist has a metallic gold rope belt affixed to it - the belt has metallic tassels and a ring of four purple prong set glass stones affixed above either tassel.  The dress is made in a sleeveless full length that flares out through the body down to the hemline. It closes with a nylon zipper down the upper back.  It is lined in a purple fabric.  

Label: Rappi. Rappi was born Sydonia Rappaport Samalman in Austria, and was one of a select number of American designers specializing in higher-end formalwear aimed at debutantes, although this particular piece would have been marketed to an adult woman who wanted to make a impression.

Sizing:  No size is indicated - this should fit a medium size, but please rely on the following measurements for fit, keeping the style of the garment in mind (please measure your body or a similar garment that you might own for comparison):

Bust: 35” around

Waist: 30” around

Hips:  38” around, meant to fall loosely

Hemline:  62” around

Overall length: 57“, measured flat from the top of the shoulder strap to the hemline

Condition:  This dress in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear, stains or odours - the belt has a few loose stitches (see last close-up photo), but this is easily corrected and doesn’t even have to be done, more of a longer term preventative measure. The dress looks to have seen little use and was well cared for over the years.

This is a stunning dress - beautiful quality and very rich looking, sure to be noticed!