Richard Blackwell launched his label in the late 1950s and even at that time his dresses sold for between $800 and $1000 (or up to $10,000 in the modern terms). He dressed many of the big stars of the day including Jane Russell, Dorothy Lamour and Jayne Mansfield. I love finding his pieces and this dress is wonderful. The cut of this dress is kept fairly simple so that the bead work on it can shine. The front is cut with a high, straight across cut neckline and then the back is scooped. Through the body it is cut in more of a sheath silhouette. The dress skims over the torso and glides in for just a touch of shape at the waist. The skirt below that is also kept fairly simple with a slim cut pencil shape. Over the entire dress is a looping design that is made entirely of rows of gold & silver beads that were hand placed and set to create the design that you see. They have a slight raised 3D effect and give the otherwise simple dress a shot of glamour. It also gives it a bit of a showgirl feel I think and I love the final effect as it adds a touch of glitz but without being too flashy. Excellent condition with one small note below to review. 

Fully lined through the body in an ivory colored silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The embellishments are hand placed and sewn. There is the slightest touch of yellowing to the fabric at the middle of the back. Please see the photo provided of that area after the shot of the label. Hand finished throughout

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38.5" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3208

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.