Hardy Amies 1960s Couture Short Sleeved Midi Dress
History
Perhaps best known as the ‘dressmaker to the Queen’, Sir Edwin Hardy Amies KCVO drew his fashion aspirations from his mother, and having turned down a university education in lieu of journalism, Hardy eventually wound up writing for Couture House Lachasse, London, shortly before becoming their managing director in 1934 at just twenty-five.
Following his drafting into the Intelligence Corps during WWII, Hardy cheekily arranged a Belgian Vogue fashion shoot less than twenty-four hours after D-Day, and was widely renowned for having had his military uniforms tailored in Savile Row.
Establishing his own fashion house in 1945, with financing from the Countess of Jersey, Hardy’s suit and menswear designs became a firm favourite with the British public, and he soon found himself Vice-Chairman of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers for a brief period.
Boasting commissions from the 1966 England World Cup Team, 1972 British Olympic Squad, Oxford University Boat Club and the London Stock Exchange, Hardy later offered designs for brands like Crown wallpaper, while costume making for the likes of Stanley Kubrick throughout most of the 1960s.
With a very close relationship spanning almost forty years, Hardy consistently styled and created numerous outfits for Queen Elizabeth II, before receiving a knighthood for his service in 1989, while his own fashion house was sold to Debenhams in 1971, only to be repurchased in 1981, until a final departure to the Luxury Brands Group in 2001.
Sir Hardy Amies passed away in 2003 aged 93, and leaves behind a simple style legacy based upon impeccable taste and presence, no matter the occasion.
Description
This is a rare and beautiful find in a size most girls can fit into, while also a 1960s wardrobe staple for the sophisticated gal about town. Constructed from black high quality fabric while fully lined in satin with short sleeves and a crew neckline with full metal zip to the back, the ribbon embellished faux darts to the bodice compliment a dress that is simply eye-catching in its complex yet refined elegance. This is an essential purchase for those wishing to make a powerful statement with minimal effort.
Details
Designer Hardy Amies
Fabric No label present however looks and feels like wool crepe fully satin lined
Size No label but will fit UK 12-14
Alterations None
Condition
Excellent (see condition chart)
Imperfections A barely visible nick to the front panel of the skirt
Measurements
Measured flat without stretching (please double for complete size)
Neckline Opening 8.5″
Shoulder To Shoulder (across back) 16″
Bust (at widest point) 18″
Waist 16″
Hips 20″
Length (collar to hem) 41″
Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) 2″
Sleeve Length (collar to cuff) 8″
Hem 1″
Additional Information
Mannequin is UK 8-10 | Bust 31.5″ | Waist 24″ | Hips 34.5″
The dress was pinned for photography purposes