Bold graphic oversized floral print maxi dress / jumpsuit by Elisabeth Stewart, circa 1970s vintage. The daughter of Edgar W. Stewart, owner of Catalina, Elisabeth began designing her own collection in the mid 1950s after Catalina was sold. Jumpsuit features hidden bra supports with light padding between the inner and outer layers- as well as elastic banding- and three adjustable buttons at each back shoulder strap. Large scale black, red, and white modernist flora pattern throughout. Black edge banding pulls off of the V- neckline and overlaps at gathered under bust line, looping though thread loops at side seams, with plenty of length for multiple tying styles. Panel construction form the lower bust to the incredibly full hem. This is a jumpsuit with leg openings, though the crotch rise is very low, more like a full maxi with an inseam from mid lower thigh height. Slightly lower V- back; there is a subtle black elastic strap across the back at bra height- this may be a replacement and can be hidden with the ties as desired.
Content isn't marked, this is the weight of a heavier nylon jersey- like a thick bathing suit, without stretch, some sheen. Condition is very good- there are some minor marks here and there to the palazzo leg pants area- some of which are photographed. Given the pattern color and scale, these are minor. Slight fade spot to the top right shoulder- as shown.
A very unusual California designer piece- ready to debut!
Measurements:
marked size 12- shown unpinned on a modern size US 2- 4 mannequin- best on a modern XS- Small.
8" coverage across each fullest breast cup (excluding the 1/2" wide black banding trim), 17" across the under bust area- which can be cinched with long ties, approximately 60" waist allowance, approximately 84" hip allowance, 25" inseam (very low drop to the crotch), 104" hem circumference per leg opening (52" across) or 208" full hem sweep, 55- 3/4" overall length, 46" front coverage length (from low point of V- neckline to hem), 41- 3/4" back coverage length (from lowest point of V- back to hem), hem appears to have been turned up at some point so there is just over an 1" of possible let down; mannequin would stand 5'9" (if she only had a head!) for point of reference
