Gerald McCann 1970s Chromatic Tree Print Scoop Back Empire Maxi Dress
History
A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Gerald McCann had an early eye for crafting pieces with instant mass-appeal, both domestically and overseas.
Having first designed for Marks & Spencer, Gerald was drawn by the more niche private-client market, and so joined the ranks of Harry B. Popper, before designing garments for the Queen, Princess Alexandra and Harrods of London.
Later in 1963, and with jut £600, Gerald opened his first boutique in Grosvenor Street, London, and soon became a lead supplier to Peter Robinson’s Top Shop, who drew upon his broad manufacturing base to meet demands in excess of 350 items in under a week, thus making himself invaluable to the best retailers in central London and beyond.
With his designs splashed across numerous industry magazines, Gerald soon found himself at the beck and call of US retailers such as Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, this time producing young style pieces at affordable prices, and in volumes exceeding 140,000 per order, a quantum leap in scale, and one that rested uneasily on his young but resilient shoulders.
After residing in New York for the best part of twenty years, Gerald returned back to Britain and reestablished his supply connections with Harrods, Fenwick and House of Fraser, while commenting that despite the glitz and glamour of the US, he had become disillusioned with the nature of the fashion industry, and how what was needed was more support for great design and less pressure on young talent to produce without error.
Description
This is a 1970s empire line dream of a dress, using a deep shirred under-bust waistband with flowing detailed print skirting and double-layered sleeving to create a frock like no other.
Details
Designer Gerald McCann
Fabric Label not present however looks and feels like rayon jersey
Size No label present but will fit UK 8-10
Alterations None
Condition
Excellent (see condition chart)
Imperfections None
Measurements
Measured flat without stretching (please double for complete size)
Neckline Opening 9.5″
Shoulder To Shoulder (across back) 13.5″
Bust (at widest point) 14.5″
Under Bust 14.5″
Waist up to 18″ (stretched)
Hips up to 27″
Length (collar to hem) 52″
Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) 4″
Sleeve Length (collar to cuff) 13″
Sweep 66″
Hem 1″
Additional Information
Mannequin is UK 8-10 | Bust 31.5″ | Waist 24″ | Hips 34.5″
The dress was not pinned for photography purposes