emmapeelpants

The essence of Jean Muir's popularity is elegant simplicity, but her work is amongst the most complex in construction. It takes immense skill to make it look so easy! Stunning black rayon dress in an absolute signature Muir style. Simple, sophisticated and striking. Anyone who knows me or reads my blog will know that I'm a total sucker for anything ruffly. I'm also borderline obsessed with neck ruffs. This dress has a divine ruffle around the neckline, giving it a very Pierrot feel. These flashes of exuberance in amongst the unassuming silhouette are a Muir trademark, and part of why her fans remain so loyal to her!

Sometimes, just sometimes, you can be lucky enough to get a garment which still has its manufacturer's label deep inside. Often this gives you little insights into the frock, the maker, the date, the fabric and sometimes even the name of the dress. John Bates was particularly fond of naming his dresses and this one has its label declaring its name to be 'Juniper'. I'm assuming this means the embroidered motifs on the lace trim are Juniper berries, how insanely adorable is that? The cut is pure Seventies Bates. Billowing sleeves, plunge neckline and heavily gathered skirt. The addition of the lace trim is pure perfection, giving definition to what might otherwise be quite a plain black frock. It's utterly romantic without being twee or silly. Bates is an absolute icon and thankfully is being better appreciated for his incredible body of work - and this is one of the loveliest Seventies frocks!