circa 1968 la mendola maxi dress + turban, s

On par with Pucci and Leonard, La Mendola gowns were renowned for their dizzying op art prints and luxurious silk jersey knits.  Because the label enjoyed such short-lived fame, few pieces were made and are exceedingly rare today.  This numbered set was purchased at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and is signed with the original owner’s name and date of production.     

V neck maxi dress with V-shaped pleats from shoulders to center waist; plain back.  Long sleeved bodice of silk jersey and maxi skirt of lettuce edge chiffon.  Rear metal zipper closure with top hook and eye.  Skirt lined in free-flowing black acetate; bodice unlined.  Matching twist-front turban of silk jersey; lined in green silk.


fabric: silk jersey, chiffon, acetate
noteworthy: dry clean only
alterations: repaired tear in acetate skirt lining
condition: excellent with above mentioned repair, a few pinprick size holes in lining and faint contact staining on skirt, plus a few pulled threads in chiffon (see photos).  All issues are well concealed by print and noticeable only on very close examination.


measurements (taken unstretched):

dress
neck:  6 ¾” neckline opening; 9 ¾” deep
shoulders:  14 ½”
sleeve:  23 ½” from shoulder, 16 ½” from underarm
sleeve circumference:  11” at underarm, 7” at wrist
bust:  36”
underbust:  32”
waist:  28”
bodice length:  13” from shoulder to waist seam
hips:  free
skirt length:  42”
total length:  55” from shoulder
sweep:  350” (dress), 80” (lining)

turban
opening circumference:  23”
crown circumference:  21”
height:  7”


label:  La Mendola, Made in Italy (Roma, Trinita dei Monti, 15)
size:  vintage size 8; comparable to modern size small