This is an amazing vintage black velvet dress in a mermaid or hobble style. Skintight! Very sexy dress, reminiscent of a 1940's Burlesque look - but made in the 1980's. It zips up the back. Has a black stiff tulle netting that is ruffled and continues on a slant down the front of the dress. The dress is tight to about the knee then flares out with this same netting around the bottom. Just like a little mermaid! ;)
Other details include a black ribbon tie around the back of the neck, low v-neck with wiring at the bust to keep its shape, shoulder pads (can be removed) and a black sequin trim along the edge of the tulle/netting.
This dress is VERY small. I am a size 2 and I couldn't get it to zip all the way up in back. It is a Junior's size, marked 5/6, but runs like a size 0 by today's standards. Bust is 34" around, waist 25" around, hips are 34-35" around. Dress is 44" long in front and 55" long in back.
The designer tag reads "For David Howard, Climax, Karen Okada". They made many beautiful gowns in this Goth sort of style in the 80's.
The gown is in Excellent condition and was probably only worn once for someone's prom or other formal event.