John Bates founded the Jean Varon label in 1960 and it quickly became known for the futuristic designs and innovative use of fabrics. He dressed Dianna Rigg portraying Emma Peel in the 1965 season of the action TV series 'The Avengers' and that helped bring him even more commercial success. By the late sixties and into the seventies his work tended more towards more floaty, feminine designs. Some of the very best pieces were made during this time period. His caftan dresses in particular are fabulous and they are some of my favourites to find. This one with its dramatic sleeves and print is one of the best I have ever seen

I love that this piece has that caftan feel but it still has defined sleeves too. The top layer that you see is made from an ultra light fabric that has an almost mesh feel to it but with a tighter weave. This fabric choice has just enough weight to it to help hold the lines of the dress and make it drape correctly once you slip it on but still stay light and easy to wear. The neckline is scooped and finished with a piping of the same fabric. A pretty curved and open keyhole with a decorative button just above it sits at the front for a little skin to show. At the back the outer layer of fabric has a row of fabric covered buttons and loops set over the inner zipper for added detail. The dress falls from there and widens out substantially as it nears the hem for that nod to the caftan cut. This lets the entire body of the dress be a simple loose and open cut. Running over the fabric is a stunning ombre and abstract floral and leaf design that covers the entire surface of the dress. The print mixes several shades of green that range from lime to teal. If that wasn't beautiful enough the sleeves are little works of art in themselves. Each has these elaborate ruffles that are attached to the underside of each sleeve. The ruffles are made from a double layer of fabric that cascades down the undersides of the your arms and fall almost to the hem at their longest points. This adds an incredible amount of movement and drama to the dress. When it is on the entire caftan flows around you and the sleeves even more. It is really an exceptional piece. I love it. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silky rayon through the body and the sleeves are unlined. The lining has a zipper to close and then the outside layer buttons to close over that. I see some scuffing to the edge of the hem of the inner lining and a couple areas of thinning near the hem of the inner lining. It is strong and stable still and of course you don't see this when it is on. It otherwise appears to have been worn very little. The easy cut should allow  it to work on a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 25" and the ruffles hang to 55" at their longest points, the upper arm is 12" around
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 26" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4295

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.