Gina Fratini created some of the most sought after evening wear in the 1970s and into the 80s. Elizabeth Taylor chose to wear one of her dresses for her second marriage to Richard Burton in 1975 and Princess Diana made several appearances wearing her work. Fratini was a British fashion and costume designer whose label existed from 1964 into the eighties. She was also known for dressing Princess Anne, who wore a Fratini gown for her 21st birthday portrait. She did freelance work for Normal Norell and designed the Ossie Clark lingerie line. She won the Dress of the Year award in 1974. She as known for her use of natural fabrics and her dresses were complicated affairs that were not easy to reproduce, which gave her designs an edge in exclusivity.
The dress is made of a light cotton voile with that is covered in a beautiful floral print. The print is done in a soft wash of colours and covers the entire dress. The upper bodice is phenomenal. The front is gathered in a elastic smocking that runs from the high collar and then angles down to the waist. At the back this same smocking detail repeats itself. Each sleeve is cut to be full and ends in more of the gathered elastic detailing. Running along the sides of the gathers on the bodice is a wide ruffle that begins on the waist of either side and curves up and over the shoulder to run down to meet the waist at the back. The waist is defined by long attached ties that I have tied at the back but you could also wrap around and tie them at the front. Another ruffled panel of fabric sits under the waist seam at the front to give it a bit of a peplum feel. The skirt falls to the floor from there and widens out gently as it nears the hem. It is finished with a wide ruffle hem that perfectly ties all the elements of the dress together. It is gorgeous and a statement piece that is even better in person. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition
Closes with a back painted metal zipper and is lined with a nude silky rayon though the skirt and bodice. The sleeves are unlined. The elastic through the bodice gives it some stretch
Shoulders: 14.5"
Sleeves: 22.5"
Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3574
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
