1970s Mollie Parnis Kimono Sleeve Printed Green Silk Dress designer-nat-kaplan Inner skirt hips: 20" flat

Inner skirt hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam

Bust: stretches 15-18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam

It would have been hand dipped and dyed to make that incredible ombre palette of mixed colors

A slubbed silk brocade has a gold thread running through it that highlights the edges of the design

This has one of the earliest Beene labels so would have been from a collection shortly after he opened his own house in New York in 1963 on 7th Avenue

1970s Mollie Parnis Kimono Sleeve Printed Green Silk Dress designer-nat-kaplan Inner skirt hips: 20" flatMollie Parnis began designing in 1933 and from a simple beginning built a multi dollar business. She was known for dressing First Ladies and her designs were worn by First Ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Betty Ford. Her Boutique label launched in 1970 and both that and her couture line continued until she shuttered the doors of her business in 1984. It is hard not to love such a strong statement piece. Dresses with these over the top, elaborate