1940’s-50’s light blue formal strapless robe de style gown by Best & Co.

This unbelievably lovely gown comes from high-end retailer Best & Co. (most likely the NYC location). It is full length with a ballgown Robe de Style silhouette, sweetheart bust and unique drop waist skirt (with -gasp!- pannier cage structures underneath!!!). Bodice of dress has an acetate base with white floral nylon lace overlay, princess style seams and blue nylon soft net ruffle embellishment along bust line. The natural waistline is highlighted with a thin piping. A pseudo peplum style drop waist section is edged with a fatter piping that graduates into a gathered nylon, soft net style fabric skirt. This skirt is then peppered with fabric leaf cut-outs, topped with same white floral lace as bodice. The left side has a metal zipper and hook + eye closure and bodice is lightly lined with rigelene or plastic style boning. My favorite part of all, though, is the understructure of the fab skirt: it features the same plastic style boning style panniers -a structure made to help support the skirt, which juts out from the hips- so cool and rare! Overall conditions excellent with no issues except for the mild lightening to areas of the skirt. Label reads 'Best & Co, Fifth Avenue, New York'.

Measurements:

- 34" bust

- 26" waist

- 40" hips

- 52" total length from top of bust ruffle at princess seam to hem

- 41" length from waist to hem