1975 Gina Fratini Elizabeth Taylor Ombre Chiffon Wedding Dress Documented

She got married in a traditional white gown, modest flared suit, hooded green silk dress and canary yellow babydoll, each of which was as spectacular as Elizabeth Taylor herself. But this Gina Fratini design still stands out among them all. Taylor donned it in 1975 for the sixth of her eight marriages, wearing it to exchange vows for the second time with Richard Burton.

For the ceremony in Botswana on the banks of the Chobe River, she paired the absolutely stunning caftan—embellished with long, wood-beaded and feather-trimmed silk streamers hanging from the shoulders and bustline—with a loose bun tied at the crown with similar garlands. Her choice of the look reflected a trendy sensibility.

Gina Fratini, a British designer who had been influenced by her childhood in the Middle East and India, defined 1970s London, along with others such as Zandra Rhodes and Barbara Hulaniki. Sensing a shift from the short and tight silhouettes of the Sixties, Fratini had introduced more relaxed clothes to great success, stating, “I like movement. There’s nothing more fascinating than a woman flowing instead of walking.”

Her maxi dresses sometimes featured exotic prints and mini florals. This piece, however, derives its beauty from an ombré print on silk chiffon that morphs from light emerald to dark emerald, vivid pink and pastel yellow. A patchwork bodice, the focal point of the dress, is made from silk dupioni diamonds of green, turquoise, blue and orange. Framing it are green embroidered ribbons.

The Empire-waisted silhouette has a high neckline in the front and a lower one in the back to accentuate its dramatic drape and flowing angel sleeves. Taylor’s actual wedding dress was auctioned off by Christie’s in 2011 for $62,500. It makes this dress design a collector’s find or an amazing acquisition for channeling Taylor’s style for a special occasion—or wedding of your own.

Size estimate: XS/S

Measurements:

Bust: 31 to 32 inches

Waist: 26 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Dress length: 56 inches

Sleeve length: 46 inches

This Gina Fratini dress from 1975, featuring the same design as the dress Elizabeth Taylor wore to one of her weddings, is in good and wearable condition. The seams are strong. The feathers, beads and streamers are perfectly preserved, as are the bodice, lining and zipper.

There are a couple of small imperfections that are only noticeable upon close examination (please zoom in on the photos) : the right angel sleeve has some small stains and pinholes and the bottom near the hem has a small tear that has not been repaired. None of these flaws detract from the beauty and wearability of this amazing piece.

The dress is a long, maxi style made of a lining of bright emerald silk and a top layer of silk chiffon featuring a striking ombré print. The dress’s focal point is a patchwork bodice made of silk dupioni diamond shapes. The bodice is framed by embroidered green ribbon and closes in the back with a 14-inch metal zipper. The Empire waist gives way to flowing skirts, which look all the more dramatic with the dress’s ethereal angel sleeves. Accenting the look are silk streamers that fall from the shoulders and bustline and are embellished with wood beads and feathers. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.