Spectacular 1970s Ronald Amey Demi-Couture Printed Silk, Silk Chiffon & Cut Velvet Dress

The label in the dress dates it to the 1970s. It was made under the creative direction of Ronald Amey. In the 1960s and seventies if you wanted to wear something with a dramatic flare then you chose the work of Ronald Amey. He was known for his original use of fabrics and colours and his dresses were priced in the thousands even back then. His career was very short-lived. From 1959-1969 he designed under the label Burke-Amey. Joseph Burke, his partner, took care of the business side of things. In 1970s he bought out Burke and renamed the company Ronald Amey where he continued to produce his dramatic clothing until the label closed in 1976. This gives us a very precise window for the date of this dress. His clothing was high in quality and he incorporated many couture level details into their construction. All of his pieces were sewn in-house at his New York atelier and I consider them to be demi-couture level. One of his signatures was to combine prints, fabrics and detailed embellishments in interesting, unusual ways and this dress is a wonderful example of that. This is an absolutely beautiful dress and I think that in person it is even better. The neckline is high and the cut velvet detailing on it runs wide across the tops of the shoulders and down into the bodice in the fantastic pattern you see. The bodice is cut to curve and skim over the body and then it comes in at the waist with a more generous feel. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves extend out from the top of the shoulder. Each sleeve is cut to be full above the cuffs. The cuffs are finished in that same cut velvet used on the bodice and I love the iridescent facetted round buttons that define each cuff. From under the seam of the bodice the skirt falls to the floor. It is gathered in around the waist and then widens out as it near the hem. The mix of fabrics on the dress is spectacular. The cut velvet mixes an earthy mustard on a brown silk chiffon base. All of the edges where that is used are finished with a gold metal braiding. Under that on the bodice is a floral silk chiffon with pops of turquoise and purple. The skirt is made out of a heavier silk that has a gorgeous abstract floral print. The fabric has painted silver and gold parts to highlight the print and you can feel the paint sitting on top of the fabric. The very bottom of the hem is edged in a printed black band. Under that on the inner hem is another band of printed colour. You may be able to let that band down if you wanted more length and for that to show. Even if kept turned under it is an incredible and unexpected flash of colour when you move or sit. It is a phenomenal dress that showcases how beautifully patterns can be mixed. He was a genius at this and known for his mixing of unexpected prints and patterns and fabrics. The dress is fully lined in a black silk throughout including the sleeves. It is entirely hand finished and closes with a back zipper. Each cuff has three dome buttons and hand made silk loops. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all. The dress is even better in person. There is no size tag present. Please go by the measurements listed below. Excellent condition Sleeves: approximately 24" and they are 14.5" around the upper arm Shoulders: no defined seam Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam Waist: to 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam Hips: open Bodice: 12" from neck to waist Total length: 58.5" from neck to hem and the hem under 4" wide Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED Item# DD5669 All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.