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Ladies, we are so happy to present to you one of the most BEAUTIFUL and DRAMATIC gowns we have ever had the privilege to showcase! This is a ONE OF A KIND, CUSTOM MADE, HAND-FINISHED & HAND-MADE gown that will absolutely knock your socks off! This beauty has all of the bells and whistles and was made specifically for OAKLAND based Burlesque star, STRAWBERRY STEMS. She performed in the 1960's and early 1970's and this is part of her earlier collection!

This RARE Evening Gown Features:

1. The lushest, most FLATTERING cut ever! Absolutely RED CARPET worthy, this jet black beauty has style, grace and exceptional poise! This is as chic as chic gets and let me ASSURE you that this piece is absolutely breathtaking. The one-shouldered cut is timeless, a little risque, classically sexy, strong and feminine. 

2. The left arm is constructed of SHEER, jet black chiffon that bells down into a VERY deep Angel/Dragon sleeve. It has plush black OSTRICH plumes that go around the entire sleeve that is as nearly as long as the gown itself and VERY full and dramatic! When you raise your arm, the sleeve opens up and showcases how large the bell is and it is quite beautiful!

3. The dress has a smooth-running side nylon zipper at the RIGHT of the gown. This allowed Strawberry Stems to perform her act while not interrupting the flow of that incredible angel sleeve.

4. Beautiful and tailored darting and seam work at the bodice makes for a flattering fit that cinches in at the waist and allows the curve of the bust plenty of room. 

5. This is a CUSTOM MADE, ONE OF A KIND piece that was made for Strawberry Stems. This piece was part of her earlier acts in the 1960's and was hand-tailored and designed by FANELLE EDWIN. You can see the hand-finishing on the interior bodice and the DESIGN of the dress is elegant and stately.

6. The skirt portion of the gown is lush and sweeping and looks great with or without a long crinoline. We have shown it with a floor length crinoline in a medium fullness, but it is not included with the sale of the dress. The skirt's 1st layer is jet black acetate that is buttery smooth and soft and has a gorgeous rustle when dancing and moving. The second layer is a SHEER OVERLAY of jet black chiffon that floats like a feather through the air and truly makes this gown amazing. It flutters and flutes beautifully over the 1st layer of acetate. The skirt has a wonderful, draped, heavy weight to it that gives it structure and body and wonderful "twirl" quality. The skirt creates a true CIRCLE skirt and the sheer volume is decadent and gorgeous.

7. The dress is FULLY lined.

Ladies, Viva Las Vegas is right around the corner and it is NOT too early to start shopping for the 20th anniversary of the largest Rockabilly convention in the world. This dress will MOST DEFINITELY steal hearts and will be one of THE BEST DRESSES there if you choose to wear it for the occasion. The gown is absolutely breathtaking and there is NOT another one out there a this was a CUSTOM made piece. This gown has lots of history and stories as this was an ORIGINAL burlesque costume in the San Francisco East Bay Area. This was made in 1963 for Strawberry Stems. The construction is absolutely lovely, strong and sturdy and hugs ALL of your curves in all of the right ways. This piece is dramatic and RUNWAY worthy. It's perfect for the Opera or the Symphony or any BLACK TIE GALA. It's wonderful for the holidays, special events where you need to look your absolute best and exceptional for the Stage Performer. It is, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous dresses we've ever laid our eyes on. Pair this up with clear lucite heels or black heels for a night out in style.

MEASUREMENTS~
The bust will fit up to 34 inches
The waist is 26 inches
Hips are full
The shoulder to waist is 15 1/2 inches
Waist to skirt hem is 42 inches long

CONDITION~
Very GOOD, but does have a few flaws.
The dress is made of a chiffon fabric and does have some snags and runs. Although there are a few of them, the dress is a VERY dark black and so lush and full that I don't feel that they detract from the piece. The gown can absolutely STILL be worn and has lots of life left! The first one that is shown is on the sleeve. You can see that there is a wave in the chiffon.
The second that I found was at the back of the left bodice where there are some very tiny picks to the chiffon.
The 3rd were two runs at the right front hip area
The 4th run is down by the front hem
There is a small run at the back hip
The chiffon hem has come unrolled in a few spots, but is an easy fix. It just needs to be re-rolled and stitched.
There are some white marks to the interior of the dress from anti-perspirant that should come out with a wash cloth and a bit of soapy water from wear and there is some light feather shed from all of these years in storage.
Now, I know that all of this sounds drastic, but I assure you, I am stating all of this so that you know what you are getting. This dress is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and really does have so much life in it! This was an original costume for a burlesque performer, so there are a few bits of wear that you need to be informed of. That being said, I would NEVER sell a garment that I wouldn't personally wear. I've been in the vintage clothing business for many, many years and I'd STILL give this an 8 out of 10 because of its quality, uniqueness and RARE factor! It is absolutely DECADENT and if I was this size, the gown would be IN MY CLOSET and not online for sale. I LOVE that this was a working burlesque costume and the ultimate glamour gown. TREAT YOURSELF to this ONE-OF-A-KIND evening gown that won't be matched. This is a gorgeous gown and should be worn, loved and cherished!

*We are NOT a rental company, so ALL sales are FINAL. We take pride in bringing you great photos, accurate measurements and a thorough description. We are HAPPY to send any additional info or photos upon request PRIOR to purchase. Please take our measurements and compare them to a garment that fits you well for the closest fit comparison. THANKS IN ADVANCE.