The print on this Chow Mein dress looks almost abstract from a distance, then resolves into hundreds of tiny flowers up close: violet, purple, teal, red and khaki blooms tumbling across a cream ground. The cotton is light and breathable, with just enough body to hold the shape of the blouson bodice without stiffness. Mother-of-pearl buttons run down the centre back, and the oversized batwing sleeves give the whole silhouette a relaxed, easy drape that reads as effortlessly put-together.
The blouson cut sits loose through the body, which means it skims rather than reveals, making it genuinely comfortable across a range of shapes. The dropped waist seam creates a visual break that lengthens the upper body, while the midi skirt adds volume below without adding visual weight. If you carry more through the hip and thigh, the skirt falls away cleanly from the blouson hem. This is an easy to style dress that wants flat sandals in summer and ankle boots in autumn.
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Circa: 1970 - 2000
Origin: Private Collection
Label: Chow Mein
Fabric: Cotton
Condition: Excellent condition commensurate with age and care
Care: Hand wash only in warm water, rinse thoroughly, spin out excess water, do not leave folded damp, hang to dry, do not use dryer
Modern Size Indicator*: 8 - 10
Measurements*: Bust 36 cm, Waist 48 cm, Hip 54 cm (laid flat)
Vintage Size Indicator: 12
Fit: Relaxed blouson bodice with batwing sleeves, dropped waist
Fixture: Mother-of-pearl button back closure at neckline and bodice, dropped waist seam
Features: All-over ditsy floral print in violet, purple, teal, red and khaki on cream ground, batwing long sleeves, round neckline, mother-of-pearl buttons
NOTE: For best fit, we recommend comparing measurements with a similar garment you already love. We are always happy to confirm additional details prior to purchase. Sale/Sold Items/Damaged Items cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned. Colours may display differently on various devices.
