Vintage 1970s Janice Wainwright Maxi Dress Embroidered Butterfly Sleeves w/Capelet

Gorgeous and rare maxi dress in a black, chiffon rayon, it features an elastic waist with sash tie belt in matching black. V neckline on a bloused bodice embroidered in autumnal leaves and birds in tones of red, silver, and brown. Pulls on overhead, it has silver braided trim at the belt edges, along the slit pockets at the hips (hooray for a dress with pockets!!), and at the neckline. The silver trim features most prominently along the hem of the lovely, embroidered capelet panel at the back. Torso and skirt are lined in another layer of black chiffon, but the wing sleeves are sheer!


Label: Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street England*
Fabric: 100% viscose
Size tag: GB 10 / USA 8 (vintage sizing) / fits like a modern US ladies Small / see exact measurements below to ensure fit
Condition: very good with no visible issues.

Shoulders - no seams
Chest 33"
Waist 26" (note elastic waistline so can accommodate you at 20", but would be uncomfortable over 27")
Hips - loose
Length 61"

*Janice Wainwright was a British fashion designer who operated from Forty Seven Poland Street in London from 1970 to around 1974.
Born in Chesterfield in 1940, Wainwright studied at Wimbledon School of Art, Kingston School of Art, and the Royal College of Art in London. Between 1965 and 1969, she worked for the company "Simon Massey," where her work was defined as "youthful, bright, and feminine."
The Poland Street period represents what many consider to be Wainwright's signature look. During this time, she became known for using wonderful jerseys, chiffons, and crepes for beautiful bias cut dresses, stylishly tailored suits, and glamorous top and skirt ensembles. She also began to use embroidery extensively in her work, both in art deco inspired motifs and intricately designed birds and flowers.
Wainwright was a contemporary of Ossie Clark, who respected her greatly as a designer, and she was the only designer besides Ossie allowed to use Celia Birtwell's textiles. From around 1974, her work began to bear the simpler 'Janice Wainwright' label, marking the end of the Poland Street era.