Marion Donaldson 1970s Berry Red Velvet Maxi Dress
History
Fashion label Marion Donaldson was the creation of husband-and-wife team Marion and David Donaldson, whose pilgrimage from London to Glasgow in 1966, at the height of the British fashion movement, proved to be the best decision they ever made.
Armed with a slew of cut-price Liberty fabrics, and a Singer sewing machine, the couple wasted little time gracing the doorsteps of trendy Glaswegian stores, as a form of crude and yet effective self-promotion, wearing their own designs while hoping to break into this as yet untapped, high street fashion market.
With almost immediate success, the Marion Donaldson label was established in 1970, quickly becoming a direct competitor to southern-based labels such as Mary Quant and Laura Ashley, in fact in less than a decade the firm had reached a million pound annual turnover, and all this despite never opening a store.
The label enjoyed uninterrupted success, as the Glasgow and Edinburgh retails outlets saturated them with demands, often in excess of their production capabilities, however the pair worked tirelessly to safeguard their good fortune, and never failed to meet client expectations.
Since closing their doors in 1999, Marion and David have allowed themselves the time and space to reap the rewards of sheer determination and graft, but today urge that a Glasgow fashion museum be built, if only to house their own unique creations for the public, and as a celebration of Scottish fashion history.
Description
This fabulous 1970s berry red dress has a wonderfully smooth panne red velvet fabric, trimmed with ornate gold and burgundy ribboning, complimented by an angular, low cut bodice with empire line skirting which is superbly completed with lightly puffed, buttoned deep cuff, bishop sleeves.
Beautifully designed and stitched to perfection, this piece is a grand and rather medieval styled gown that yearns to be seen at any fine banquet.
Details
Designer Marion Donaldson
Fabric No label present however looks and feels like panne velvet
Size Label reads UK 14 but will fit UK 10-12
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″
Bust (at widest point) 17″
Under Bust 14″
Waist 14″
Hips 26″
Length (collar to hem) 56″
Sleeve Length (underarm to cuff) 19″
Sleeve Length (collar to cuff) 26″
Sweep 54″
Hem 1.5″
Additional Information
Mannequin is UK 8-10 | Bust 31.5″ | Waist 24″ | Hips 34.5″
The dress was not pinned for photography purposes