Original mid 1950s black silk velvet & pink floral print fabric dress skirt pockets Continental made some issues please read description
 
So normally I only sell vintage in exceptionally good condition, but for this lovely dress I make an exception as still despite its flaws has life left in it. The construction is sound it's not falling apart or anything but it does have extensive discoloration to the floral area. There are also some marks on the silk velvet but this is normal with silk velvet so less important but just to point out. 
It is a mid 1950s dress, with gorgeous under bust cut cross sternum construction fitting and flaring out to mid calf. It isn't full circle by any means but still 
moves beautifully when dancing worn with petticoats.  It's inspiration I think to the explosion of florals mid 1950s largely
inspired by Grace Kelly, and it has that Romantic feeling to it, though with that divine cut and velvet its not 'prissy' by any means. 
Continental made I think Italian judging from the 40 size label it is unlined; and has pockets on the skirt so likely aimed at (hard to believe now!) 
the younger market, so one can see this dress probably jived its way through the 1950s, and would have turned heads. Indeed it still does: wore it once myself and got lots of complements and nobody really noticed the discoloration. So if you are looking for a piece to wear to a vintage event
on a budget and don't want to resort to poor quality repro dress, this could be for you. It is very figure flattering with the cut.
The discoloration is extensive but the print is so busy it can get away with being worn. The waist is darker...toward purple, while the very bottom degrades almost to coral pink. Whether its sun damage, water damage or someone tried to wash it I have no clue, but to me its still a lovely dress.
Lightweight, so perfect even for a breezy summer garden party, which is where I wore it, and dinner afterwards and was complimented both by strangers (and I'm in my mid 50s!). I was thinking also would be nice to wear to something like an Art Gallery private view, or theatre or simply a
glass or two of PImms or cocktails at the local wine bar.
It's a UK size 8 
So not asking a fortune and tbh this would be a great investment for a seamstress who makes 50s dresses to study and copy perhaps; but as I say perfectly wearable, feminine yet edgy with that divine under bust cut and black velvet.