Lot #44: Vintage 60s Hostess Maxi Dress Op Art Design Movement Piece by Morton Myles

Vintage 60s, Hostess Maxi Dress, Op Art Design Movement Piece by Morton Myles for Smith & Jones, Iconic Mid Century Geometric Mod Design. Rare.Morton Myles brought mod chic to the general public in the 60s, making great design affordable for every lady or lady-ish gal of the day. Myles hit the map of mid century popularity when First Lady Jackie Kennedy wore one of his "controversial" form fitting, sleeveless dresses on Good Friday in Palm Beach, Florida in the 60s. She was later photographed in the same dress by Richard Avedon for the cover of "Look" magazine.This dress is in excellent vintage condition featuring the op art design influences of Myles by incorporating a shirt waist style maxi hostess dress using a geometric pattern. It has an amazing signature collar of the era, snap front accentuated by rhinestone buttons, is fully lined, a nice full, flowing skirt, and self covered matching belt. It is beautifully tailored with a flair of whimsey.This dress does not look to have been worn. There is no fabric label, but I'm pretty sure it is polyester. The fabric label reads "Dry Clean only, Do not use petroleum solvents or the coin operated method of dry cleaning". Label says size 10. It is best to go by measurements for actual size and to see if it is a good fit for you.There is a union label, made in USA on the inner lining seam. There is one spot on lining. There is no photo, I will send to you upon request, as needed.Measurements laid flat -Shoulder to shoulder: 17"Chest: 18.5"Waist: 15"Bottom: 36"Sleeve length: 23"Length: 57"Belt: 34" x 2"From Wikipedia:Op ArtMorton Myles embraced the Op Art design movement in the 1960s mixing geometric fabrics with his chic, often sleeveless, mini dress designs. During this time, Myles designed under the label Jeunesse, French for youthfulness.[4] Also referred to as Mod Design, Myles took approaches to the movement highlighting traditional garment components such as zippers and buckles. Traditionally, clothing components were hidden or kept invisible, Myles highlighted the use of industrial metals and using them as trim items in a new manner.First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy and the Good Friday DressMorton Myles's name became familiar when a young Jacqueline Kennedy was photographed in one of his designs on Good Friday in Palm Beach, Florida. The photograph featured the new First Lady, President Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy and their newborn son, John F. Kennedy, Jr.. The image type was new as the Presidents wife was wearing a shorter, form-fitted and sleeveless dress which had not been done before. The dress cut was modern and sleek.In a 2002 interview with Barbara Cloud, a columnist at the Post-Gazette, Myles recalled the story of how Mrs. Kennedy, then the wife of U.S. Senator Kennedy, visited the New York salon of Herbert Sondheim accompanied by Vogues Diana Vreeland in 1960.[5] The two were searching for dresses of splendid cut and color as Myles recalled. Vreeland selected the dress which was a ready-to-wear. The Good Friday dress was one of two Morton Myles designs Kennedy purchased that day. Kennedy would be photographed in the dress again for the cover of Look Magazine by Richard Avedon.[6]
Condition: Excellent
Measurements: See Description