In the 1960s and 70s Gunne Sax was a clothing label that was extremely popular, bringing their vintage Edwardian inspired designs to masses of young women and in turn inspiring many clothing manufacturers and pattern makers to benefit from the look, as well.

This gorgeous pastel peach maxi dress features a couple of design elements typical of Gunne Sax dresses: it has a fitted lace-up empire bodice with wide under bust band trimmed in precious floral lace of peach and periwinkle (purple-blue), and enormous bishop sleeves with a wide cuff at the wrists, also trimmed in the same lace.

The deep V neckline is further enhanced with delicate crochet lace edging, too.

The skirt of the dress has a double tiered ruffled hem with some of that same peach and periwinkle lace above the first layer, too.
The dress is sheer, with an acetate lining under the bodice and skirt that is crisp, slick and whispery.

This has a center back zipper opening as well as the (working) lace up front.

There are no labels: no maker’s label, no size label, no fiber label indicating this may be custom made, if so, it is very well done.

Measurements:

34” under arm, but does have extra fullness to the front

30” under-bust seam top of band which is 4” wide

27” bottom of under-bust band, which would be considered the waist

Hips free

28” sleeve length (full, with cuffs)

4.75” deep cuffs

158” sweep of sheer hem

88” around sweep of underskirt

13.5” shoulder

12” long from neck point to top of under bust seam

And not quite 60” long from neck point to hem

Condition: This presents beautifully, the underarms are pristine (sometimes on formals these can show wear first). It is missing 1 covered button on the wearer’s right sleeve, closest to the fingers, and when we zipped this up on our mannequin, we noticed that under the zipper flap there are stitches across the zipper about 1” up from the bottom. This is very sturdy and secure, but we imagine this was to secure a previously loose zipper bottom, possibly. It is not visible when worn (covered by the zipper flap).

These maxi formal dresses were often worn for prom dances, bridesmaid dresses, and outdoor weddings by guests and attendants both, and are highly sought after again for the same purposes, especially in pastel colors such as this one.

We are a member of The VFG, The Vintage Fashion Guild.