This vintage 1980s mermaid evening dress is just fabulous - a cross between Barbie's iconic 1960 "Solo in the Spotlight" dress and Morticia Addams of Addams Family fame. The inner dress has a boned bodice with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. Princess seaming in front is combined with vertical ruching that extend down every seam, ending a bit above the knee in front, lower in back. The dress hugs every curve, and is accented with a narrow vertical ruffle down the front, topped by a row of small crystalline plastic shanked buttons. The lower skirt is gathered onto the above-knee seam and explodes out nicely, assisted by the inner layer of net.
SIZE: Label size 3/4. There is flex to the fit, but not as much as you might think. My usual model, who currently wears a modern size 6, could not get the dress on over her hips because of the relatively short zipper.
Measurements | Inches | Cm |
Bust | 35" | 89 |
Approximate waist | 35" | 89 |
Approximate hips | 37.5" | 95.25 |
Length from center front neckline to bottom of ruched portion | 31" | 78.75 |
Circumference of bottom of ruched portion | 33" | 84 |
Front skirt length | 17" | 43 |
Sweep | 180" | 456 |
FABRIC/COLORS: According to the fabric label, the dress is 100% polyester, dry clean only, and was made in California. The fabric is a light weight taffeta, black.
TAGS: Climax, Karen Okada, for David Howard
CLOSURES: A 13" nylon zipper down the back. The clear plastic "crystal" buttons down the front are decorative and not functional.
CONDITION: No stains, holes, tear or other issues noted.