REDUCED Early Susan Freis Hippie Chic Wrap-Bodice Dress, Med/Large

Collectibles : Vintage : Clothing : Women's : Dresses : Designer : 70s/80s

 

This upscale designer "hippie chic" dress by Susan Freis is likely from the late 70s to early 80s. It is more like the work of her sister, Diane Freis, than Susan's later work in the 80s was. Very Diane like, with ruffles, beaded ties, flowing skirt, and stunning print. The surplice wrap-style bodice is open to the waist, but thankfully has a hook & eye closure at just the right spot, so we do not have to use the safety pin or brooch trick on it to keep it closed. This bodice is a slight blouson, not way oversized. Has wide gathered elastic waist, elastic at sleeve hems, shoulder pads. What is really gorgeous on this dress is the multi-gored (8 of them) skirt. The gores are stitched in diagonal curves and end in a curved, rather than pointed, hanky-style "long & short" hem--hope you can see this in the photo. The sweep on this hemline is around 140"! I've shown it with just a single-layer crinoline for a bit of stiffness, but which lets the skirt show off its floaty nature.

The fabric, a soft, drapey woven poly, is of exceptional quality--feels exquisite. Multi-color polka-dot and stylized floral print has shades of purple, red, orange. The blue you see in the photo is more of a green, almost jade, but my camera cannot "do" the green-blue shades well at all. Colors are deeper/richer than shown--the lights washed them out a bit.

Condition: Looks almost new; can't have been worn much at all. All elastic is stretchy & fresh. I found 3 or 4 pulled threads on the outside, which I fixed. Laundered & ready to wear!

Size: Labeled Large, but due to the style, would likely fit a medium as well (wasn't all that big on my manni, who takes a small). Measurements below:

* Bust: 37 to 42" (unstretched to stretched comfortably)

* Waist: up to about 30" stretched comfortably

* Hips: Full (up to about 46")

Length: Approx. 49" at longest hem point, measured down center back

* Taken flat on front & doubled. Note: I do NOT stretch garments out when I measure them unless otherwise stated, but I do smooth them out as much as possible, and I indicate when there is ease in the styling. So these are minimum dimensions. I don't use stretched dimensions (unless stated), because if the item is too small for you, you'll be unhappy! You're better off with something that's a bit large and needs taking in than something too small that can't be let out!

Fabric: 100% polyester; hand wash, line dry

Shipping Note: Shipping insurance optional; if you don't take it, I am not responsible for shipping loss or damage.

I inspect my vintage items carefully, and note flaws I see. I tie off and snip the worst of any loose threads, and will take a stitch or two to stop a seam from unraveling or a button from falling off. I don’t sell anything I wouldn’t wear myself, and I point out things many folks wouldn’t. We are a non-smoking home.

Proud Member VFG, Vintage Fashion Guild!

Item ID: SF-0519

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