1970s John Anthony Demi-Couture Black Silk Jersey Dress w Hand Beaded Birds designer-gene-shelly As it nears the hem

As it nears the hem the skirt opens up to a startling fullness - it is a full true circle skirt near the hem

The sleeves are capped and the skirt cascades to the floor

A layer of silk net and silk chiffon sit between that and the exterior layer of net

more angular shaped of the eighties slowly moving into simpler shapes for the 1990s

I think it would make a dramatic and fabulous evening coat or wrap and tie it over a slip and wear it our as a dress

1970s John Anthony Demi-Couture Black Silk Jersey Dress w Hand Beaded Birds designer-gene-shelly As it nears the hemJohn Anthony opened his label in 1971 and during the 1970s he became known for making pieces that were sleek & sexy but still felt sophisticated. His business was all done on a made to order basis. That means the majority of pieces you will find are a one off, or if there are similar pieces, very few of each piece exist. This personal attention to each dress is clearly seen in the workmanship of his pieces. His work is a personal favourite of mine and