Divine 1970s Jean Muir Pleated Chiffon Ivory Black Dots Layered dress

The self-taught Jean Muir made her name in the 1960s, creating a reputation for exquisitely tailored timeless, feminine clothing. Having previously worked as a designer for the famous textile house, Liberty of London, Muir’s designs are extremely fluid and often incorporate simple jersey or suede fabrics with small craft details throughout. Of her work, Muir has noted that she is more concerned with the process of engineering garments to make “beautiful shapes” rather than designing clothes. Her pieces are held in museums worldwide and she has been hailed as the greatest dressmaker in the world, in a league with Madame Grès, Chanel, and Vionnet.

Done in an ivory chiffon featuring a print of large and small black polka dots, this divine Jean Muir dress is effortless and regal at once. The gathered bodice begins with a high square neckline and layered sheer angel sleeves. The knife-pleated chiffon creates a pleasing rhythm throughout, adding another dimension to the layered flounces of the skirt and fluttering elbow-length sleeves. The skirt falls from a high fitted waist to a maxi length just above the ankles, creating a classic, elegant silhouette, while decorative black stitching at the neckline and waist adds a note of refined elegance.

Size estimate: SML/MED

Measurements:

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 28 inches

Hips: up to 38 inches

Length: 54 inches

From the bust waistline, a layer of chiffon creates a long, knee-length flounce, bringing a fullness to the otherwise columnar structure of the dress. The hems of the sleeves and both layers of the skirt are edged in black silk, adding a nice contrast of texture along with striking pop of color. An excellent choice for a wedding or special occasion, this Jean Muir dress has stunning proportions and can easily be worn as a day-to-night look.

This vintage Jean Muir dress is unlined and closes with a concealed back metal zip. It can be seen in the featured images with Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel, who is wearing another one of Muir’s designs. Kristel is photographed in Jean Muir’s London showroom where she had the pick of the 1973 Spring collection as part of her prize for winning the ‘Miss TV Europe’ contest.

In excellent condition, this dress has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. 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.