From one of the best vintage dealers in the world of the internet, even more specifically, the world of Ebay, comes this dress that somehow ventured from my neck o' the IRL woods to hers--perhaps not such a glorious journey. Perhaps so. Coco of California takes up its not inappropriate residence amid the Ossies & Zandras & Varons & Bates--until, that is, it arrives in all its festive glory at yr house.

tags:

• black
• , pierrot
• , black velvet
• , gina fratini
• , british boutique movement
• , jean varon
• , john bates
• , dollyrockers
• , london mob
• , emmapeelpants

The fabuluous patterns of Kaffe Fassett, creator of so many of the fabulous saturated striking design appearing on Bill Gibb's knitwear, appearing on an unfortunately, in this case, uncredited Bill Gibb coat.

tags:

• wool
• , united kingdom
• , gina fratini
• , 60s
• , 70s
• , bill gibb
• , ossie
• , scottish
• , art to wear
• , v and a

I cant remember which doyenne said "B for Bill Gibb" & thereby gave him his minor signature, but one can read it in his long overdue & not long enough fashion bio, available on Amazon or Alibris or ABEBooks, preferably from a used bookdealer. However, I do know that this is one of the nicest examples incorporating that trademark that I have yet seen [dig those sleeves, dig that cut, dig that gathering, that trim]--& oh, how I wish it were not eight hundred bucks. For one whose blood runs richer than does mine, sadly.

tags:

• bee
• , antique textiles
• , clothing
• , brocade
• , fashions
• , carnaby street
• , swank
• , vintage
• , gina fratini
• , 60s

Gina Fratini was one of the prominent members of the British Boutique Movement in the 60s and 70s; natural contemporary to Ossie Clark and Thea Porter. Her whimsical, romantic confections regularly graced the pages of Vogue and enchanted buyers everywhere. Her use of antique lace and trimmings was her trademark and came as a refreshing alternative to the strong 'mod' look of the mid-60s. This dress is c.1969 (as demonstrated in the gingham frenzy below in Vogue 1969) and is a rare, early piece by a designer whose successes were largely in the 70s. It's an absolutely adorable smock, in the cutest blue gingham with a pierrot collar, oversized gathered pockets and full sleeves into tight cuffs. The whole look is one of Alice in Wonderland; girlish, romantic and wacky. Bust: 32" / Hips: free / Length: 40" Label:Gina Fratini / Colour:blue gingham / Fabric:cotton Condition:Excellent Flaws:None noted. Sold as vintage. £145

tags:

• gingham
• , vintage dress
• , vintage
• , gina fratini
• , dress

tags:

• 1970s
• , gina fratini
• , british boutique movement
• , designer