1950s Italian Silk & Beaded Bodice Gown
Acquired from a private Italian estate, this extraordinary one-of-a-kind Italian silk beaded gown is part of a remarkable collection of mid-century Roman couture from the atelier of Mario Luciani. Preserved together in the same wardrobe for decades, each piece was custom-made for one woman.
Crafted from creamy silk, the gown is defined by its extraordinary hand-finished embellishment. The bodice and cap sleeves are overlaid with delicate lace, intricately hand-embellished with clear, iridescent, and pearl beads that subtly catch the light. A delicate scalloped edge frames the sweetheart neckline, while the fitted silhouette is softly defined at the waist by a beautifully draped overskirt that falls into a dramatic train, parting at the front to reveal the sleek column skirt beneath. At the back, thirty-three silk-covered buttons trail the length of the gown, concealing a hidden zipper and completing the impeccable couture construction.
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Features
Measurements
CONDITION
VINTAGE CONDITION GUIDE
Pristine — Never worn or in flawless condition, with no visible flaws.
Excellent — Beautiful overall condition. May include some visible flaws that do not detract from the garment’s overall impact.
Great — Noticeable wear with visible flaws, though still wearable and intact.
Good — Multiple or more prominent flaws that may affect wearability or overall appearance.
Fair — Best suited for display, repair, or study purposes.
Care
Please handle delicately. This garment is vintage and may be more fragile than modern pieces. Avoid excessive pulling, stretching, or pressure on seams and closures. Store properly and wear with care to preserve its condition. The piece has been cleaned and arrives ready to wear. A light steam will be needed to release any wrinkles from shipping. When steaming, we recommend using distilled water and placing a clean white cloth between the steamer and the garment to protect the fabric from potential water marks. When possible, steam from the inside of the garment for the safest and most gentle results.
Returns
Due to the unique and delicate nature of vintage garments, all pieces are final sale.
Please review the condition notes, fabric contents, full item description, measurements, and care instructions carefully prior to purchasing. If you have any questions regarding fit, details, or condition, we encourage you to reach out before checkout at hello@1208vintage.com.
The term vintage is defined as 20+ years old or older. Vintage items have survived years, decades, and often lifetimes of ownership and use. Due to their age, minor imperfections may be present and are considered part of the garment's history. Vintage textiles are delicate and may show signs of wear not noted in the listing. These may include light spots, faint discoloration, small marks, pinholes, areas of fabric wear, or previous repairs. Vintage garments were also constructed differently from modern clothing and are inherently delicate; please be gentle on seams and closures.
Many feature fine seam allowances and interior finishes such as pinking, which were commonly used in historic garment construction. Over time, internal seam edges may appear soft or fuzzy. This is normal for garments of this era and does not affect the overall wearability or integrity of the piece.
Any notable imperfections will be disclosed in the Condition Notes section of each product listing to the best of our abilities. While every garment is carefully inspected, not every minor imperfection can always be individually noted. These characteristics are typical of vintage garments and contribute to their unique history and character.
By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept the nature of vintage garments and agree to our final sale policy.