This is a rare Dale Tryon dress - NOT from her Kanga Collection label.

It has very few of the similarities of her Kanga designs, NO shoulder pads, NO Elasticated waist area (so you were able to eat, and it could expand!), it’s not even the same wash-and-go fabrics that are normally seen with Kanga.

It is long, that’s like her Kanga label, and it does have nice deep side pockets, and it is fit and flare.

I have had lots of Kanga dresses as I cleared the wardrobes of a titled Lady many years ago, this one is labelled Dale Tryon London, only. It does have couture label still attached with information on, this has been pinned to inside back of neck label. I believe this dress is unworn.

Please see these photos of the card labels for information….there are NO care labels or size labels attached inside. I’m wondering if this was made for someone very specific to their personal measurements, or maybe it was a sample piece. I have also taken photos of the dress turned inside out…as you can see, looks beautifully made, even on the inside.

The dress is very small at bust and waist, see my measurements on the item whilst laid flat, there is no room for any give. The flared skirt is full of volume, and very long. The front has a row of metal buttons, with three of same buttons, slightly smaller, on each cuff. Card label states Wool Challis, it is a lightweight woven fabric, maybe a blended wool with silk, but can’t confirm.

It is in excellent condition.

No size label - but here’s the measurements I took, laid flat.

Underarm to underarm, nearly 18”.

Waist 14”.

Length, top of shoulder to hemline, 49.5”.

Sleeve, underarm to sleeve cuff, 17”.

It’s a lovely vintage dress, whether it was made prior to the Kanga label, during or after…I honestly do not know. I sort of suspect maybe before she met Diane Fries, an American designer, that was based in Hong Kong, who she met in the 70’s whilst returning to see her Mother in her homeland of Australia. It was then that she was given an interest in drip dry, one size fits all fabrics, and eventually became an agent for Fries when back in London. Or maybe it was made in the 80’s. In circa ‘83 she started her Kanga label. Later 80’s she also had her couture label, Dale Tryon, using luxury fabrics from Italy and France. This dress is certainly a luxury fabric, indicating wool on the card label. So, age is a mystery???

I have tried to do more research, but it led me down a rabbit hole, so I will leave that to the next owner if interested in the history. I do think this garment would be most suitable in a Museum or a private Fashion Collection.

Although this is not Kanga, here’s a little more info for you on Kanga Collection ~

Lady Tryon socialised within the British royal circles and created her own fashion label in 1983 called Kanga, this was the nickname Prince Charles gave to her, with her couture line being Kanga - The Dale Tryon Collection. Princess Diana wore a Kanga Dress to the Live Aid concert which helped elevate Kanga’s range to international status during the 80s.

Excellent, clean, smoke free.