the look

a 1980s norma walters dress in black silk chiffon strewn with roses in magenta, crimson, marigold, and blush with emerald leaves. it has a deep surplice wrap bodice, sheer billowing dolman sleeves, and a gathered sarong-style drape that knots dramatically at the hip — pure 80s-does-old-hollywood glamour, floating and sheer. norma walters was a new york designer whose silk pieces filled the fashion magazines of the 1980s and hung at saks fifth avenue, bergdorf goodman, and neiman marcus; her dresses are a quiet estate-sale treasure, always beautifully made with a strong design idea. this one is 100% silk, and the drape is the idea.

please note: a couple of tiny pulls to the chiffon, not noticeable when worn.

details

• era: 1980s
• designer: norma walters
• origin: usa
• design: draped dress in sheer black silk chiffon with a multicolor rose print in magenta, crimson, marigold, blush, and emerald. deep surplice wrap bodice, billowing sheer dolman sleeves, and a gathered sarong-style skirt that knots at the left hip with a draped cascade. slips on; the bodice is self-finished and the skirt is layered for coverage while the sleeves stay sheer. machine sewn. materials and percentages: 100% silk per the content tag; dry clean only.
• condition: excellent: a couple of tiny pulls to the chiffon, not noticeable when worn. otherwise clean and sound — no stains, holes, or repairs; the silk is bright and the drape hangs beautifully.
• size & fit: tagged size 12 (1980s). best modern fit estimate is women's us 8 to 10. the wrap bodice and dolman cut are forgiving through the top; the draped hip is the fitted point. go by the flat measurements.
• flat measurements: bust 21 in flat, hips 19 in flat, sleeve 18 in from shoulder point, length 44 in