The branches or flames going south on the dress are the same black silk velvet as the sweetheart neckline bodice top. They are appliquéd to the full skirt. All in perfect condition, no fading or other issues.
Satin charmeuse skirt is lovely and extremely full. But there is faint water marks discoloration. I didn't see it until I pulled the skirt out full to show it off. It really does not hardly distract at all from the shocking stunning appearance of this dress.
There is a metal side zipper.
Shoulder pads on the shoulders.
Black is solid, it's hard to photograph but there is no fading.
Please ask any questions.
There was a belt, dress still has the side loops.
I believe that I would add something to stabilize the velvet on the bodice on any stress areas.
There is lining around the entire neckline.
I did not iron because I know it will wrinkle again in shipping, but as you can see there are wrinkles to the skirt.