1980s Patricia Lester Mother of Pearl Fortuny Bridal Gown

Magnificent Charles and Patricia Lester couture silk gown in a rich mother of pearl color way. The Lesters have been famous since the 1970s for creating incredible one of a kind hand pleated and dyed garments heavily inspired by the masterworks of Mariano Fortuny in the early 20th century. This particular piece is very closely related to the Delphos gown which is widely held in museums around the world. Despite its similarities to its historical counterpart, this gown has secrets of its own to share: inside the dress a soft stretchy jersey band is attached at the front waist and buttons at the back when the dress is worn, creating the sultry fitted effect at the front of the dress, while retaining the loose, flowing Grecian pleats at the back. A stroke of genius, and a beautiful touch to modernize the silhouette. Finished with hand applied pearlized glass beads at the neckline, this gown truly is a stroke of sartorial genius. Would make for an absolutely unforgettable bridal ensemble!

Excellent condition. At Demetra, each garment is thoroughly cleaned, inspected for damage and professionally repaired with nearly a decade of experience in tailoring and working with antique materials. Each garment will arrive clean and ready to wear with little to no signs of age. 

Measurements:

Please note that this gown will fit a very wide range of sizes due to the pleated construction. The only size limiting factor is the interior band that buttons at the back inside the dress to create the fitted look at the bodice. It has multiple buttons for multiple size setting options, and buttons could easily be moved over further to fit a smaller waist size as needed. At some point in its history the band was taken in 2 inches- we have left it as is but these alterations could also be reversed to accommodate a larger size.

Bust 30-38 in

Waist 24-27 in (can easily be let out to accommodate up to 29)

Hips open

Shoulder to waist 15 in

Armscye 9.5 in

Length 60-61 in (designed to be very long to create a classic, statuesque silhouette)

For reference, Maya measures 32/24/33 and is 5’5”.