This is a stunning figure hugging red evening dress by the late Queen Elizabeth's dress designer Norman Hartnell and is a classic design that has stood the test of time.  
The whole dress is made up of pleated panels that have been stitched together at intervals of ¼".  These have then been  stitched together asymmetrically, on the bias,  starting with the wide shoulder straps and cascading all down the front of the dress, offset by diamond shaped plain, unpleated panels to the left hand side, leading to a  front side pleat.  The dress is fully lined and the bodice is boned.  It has a weight in the back hem to help keep the shape.  The majority of this dress has been hand stitched.
It has been purchased from a collection of gowns from the Oxburgh Hall Estate, a stately home in Norfolk built in 1482, now owned by the National Trust, however, the family still reside there today.
 
Label:
Norman Hartnell
 
Fabric:
Silk crepe de chine
 
SIze:
6-8 UK 2-4 US
Bust 32" 
Armpit to Armpit 33"
Shoulder Strap Width 3¼"
Waist 28" 
Hips 36" 
Length 55" 
 
Fastenings:
14" metal zip with hook and eye
 
Condition:
The dress is excellent condition 
It has a small area of the net lining on the inside of the straps that has opened up, but this cannot be seen at all when worn.
 
Care Instructions:
Specialist cleaning only