Gina Fratini 1970s Ivory Silk Empire Line Wedding Maxi Gown
History
In September 1931, Georgina Caroline Eve Butler, or ‘Gina Fratini’, was born into nobility in Kobe, Japan. Spending the majority of her childhood in Burma, India, Gina established her British boutique in 1964, before becoming one of the top UK designers of the early 1970s.
Having won ‘Dress of the Year’ in 1975, Gina designed for a mix of celebrities and royalty, including Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Princess of Wales, the former of which had a wedding dress made when she remarried Richard Burton in 1975.
With a keen interest in natural fibres, no doubt inspired from her time in India, Gina designed with a view to letting the garments flow, as opposed to showing off more than might otherwise be desired, a conservative style that was naturally at home with English gentry and the perhaps more restrained clientele she so loyally served, which extended to Princess Anne, Prince Michael and Princess Margaret of Kent.
Preferring to limit herself to short production runs, the ever-changing fashion scene slowly marginalised her devout approach to dressmaking and design, until in 1989, Gina closed her doors for good.
Georgina passed away aged 85 in the spring of 2017, leaving behind a legacy founded upon a demanding, and yet practical methodology that now seems long forgotten in today’s sadly dispensable world of fashion.
Description
This is an incredibly elegant late 1970s gown, bringing fluid, floaty and feminine frills that are both visually striking yet quietly dramatic. This particular piece is a beautiful example of her work and is made of the finest and lightest layers of silk and silk lace.
While retaining a Victorian feel through the cut and panel detail, the fitted empire bodice, lightly ballooned sleeves and cinched, fabric tied waist create a beautifully subtle dress that is incredibly feminine, making it the perfect example of considered design in almost every way.
Details
Designer Gina Fratini
Fabric 100% silk
Size No size label but will fit UK 8
Alterations None
Condition
Fair (see condition chart)
Imperfections There are several coloured age spots throughout the dress skirting and a black mark to the left shoulder
Most of the discolouration is concentrated at the hemline which could of course be shorted to remove this
Measurements
Measured flat without stretching (please double for complete size)
Neckline Opening 6″
Shoulder To Shoulder (across back) 13.5″
Bust (at widest point) 16″
Under Bust 13″
Waist 15″
Hips 27″
Length (collar to hem) 58″
Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) 19″
Sleeve Length (collar to cuff) 25″
Sweep 126″
Additional Information
Mannequin is UK 8-10 | Bust 31.5″ | Waist 24″ | Hips 34.5″
The dress was not pinned for photography purposes