Treacy Lowe pieces are always a favorite to find. Kathy Lowe Howden launched the label in partnership with her husband in 1971 and quickly became known for her maxi dresses and prints. She did the most amazing caftans and dresses that really reflect the time period. She was a designer that designed her around the fabric she chose and many were custom done just for her. The vast majority of her fabrics were made to her specification in India. So when you find one of her pieces they are not just special because they are vintage, but also because of the small runs of fabric that she used. Just seeing and feeling these hand made fabric from this time period is a special treat.
This caftan dress is gorgeous. The cut is loose and easy and it is incredibly easy to wear. It is made out of a soft cotton that has was made and printed in India. The design is beautiful. Little rows of flowers run vertically down the fabric. The print combines two widths, a thinner one that is white based and a second wider one that has a soft blue base. If you look carefully at the photos you will see that for the bodice the the thinner strips have been carefully pieced together and then they are set so that the open out into the wide blue strips. This opening up of the fabric is what give the skirt its fullness. It has a low notched neckline that has a sweet little tie about half way up. Running across the top of each shoulder is a row of hand made tassels that pull from the colors in the print. Each tassel is suspended from the shoulder and finished with a matching colored bead. The sleeves are full and wide. It is meant to be worn without a belt but you could easily cinch in the waist with a modern belt if you wanted to add more shape. Excellent condition.
Unlined and slip on to wear. 100% cotton. The easy, loose cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. Pockets along each hip
Sleeves: 14"
Shoulders: slightly dropped and 16"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 60" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# SS3533
Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.