1970’s James Daugherty Maxi Dress w/IRIS Flowers

1970’s Maxi Dress by African-American Designer James Daugherty. Fantastic Style and Print, Shadow Iris or Orchid Flowers with Leaves, Wide Basque Waist & Flutter Sleeves. This Dress is so unique in that it’s similar to a Wrap-Dress as the entire Sides are OPEN and there is a integral hidden Belt that hooks around the front waist (see pic), you then fasten the waist tie around the back to secure it (the sleeves under the arms remain open to the waist, very sexy). Ultra-flowy & Full Skirt, Bohemian Dressing at the highest level. Measures Chest 32-34″, Waist 25″, Free Hip, Length Shoulder to hem 59″. In Excellent condition, the tag is loose at the bottom corners. I believe this is a Rayon Crepe Jersey, it has a Dry-Clean only tag in the lower inside but the content tag has been cut out. James Daugherty was one of the first African-American Designers to have his own collection on 7th Ave. He was considered a peer of African-American Pioneers Scott Barrie & Stephen Burrows. He launched his Self-Named business in 1974, after working as a Sketch Artist for Costume Designer Edith Head. His Designs were featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & Ebony Magazines. From 2003 until his death in 2013, he was an adjunct instructor at F.I.T.