1970s Graphic Geoffrey Beene Silk Backless Dress designer-ossie-clark Bodice: 11" from shoulder seam

Bodice: 11" from shoulder seam to top of detailing at the waist seam

It has a dramatic neckline with its built in bra cups that are set within a series of rounded cut outs

Helena Barbieri pieces are as rare as rare can be and this one is so beautiful it takes my breathe away

This contrasts sharply with the vertically striped skirt

The photos do not come close to capturing the depth and prettiness of the color and how the fabric moves and drapes when the wearer moves

1970s Graphic Geoffrey Beene Silk Backless Dress designer-ossie-clark Bodice: 11" from shoulder seamThis dress is a wonderful and early example of Geoffrey Beene's work and to me completely sums up the Beene aesthetic pieces with a simple cut that had unexpected details and bold use of fabrics that made you catch your breathe. From the front this is a bold and wonderful sleeveless bodice. The graphic curved print has been screened onto a bengaline silk. The bodice is fitted and then the skirt sweeps out and there are literally yards of fabric in