Strapless Floral Dress

A stunningly untypical Laura Ashley delight!

This is a fine cotton lawn ruched bodice strapless dress by none other than Laura Ashley. Unusually it is a bright floral print on a black background far removed from their normal pastel florals. A perfect occasion dress for A Summer event.Iit would take you effortlessly from day to evening.

Dating to around the 1990s, but looking timeless, it features a diagonal ruched bodice; dropped waisted on one side. The dress is fully lined. The bodice is boned and the dress has a side zip. Little ribbon shoulder straps could easily be added if you're not too confident with strapless.

Shown in the photos both with and without a petticoat, it can be styled up with one to give it more of a  fifties look.

It is excellent condition.

Approximate current size UK 8/10 (see measurements below)

Original label size UK 14

Fashion History Snapshot

Laura Ashley was founded in 1953 by husband and wife Bernard and Laura Ashley. Originally making furnishing fabrics they expanded into clothing design and production, based in Wales, in the 1960s. Laura Ashley designs became popular in the late 60s. Reknowned for her romantic, traditional English 'Victorian' style designs and prints with flounces and frills in natural fabrics she epitomised the country fashion look of the late 60s and early 1970s. Her style was known as quintessentially English.

Reaching a heyday in the 1980s, Laura Ashley was then recognised for her floral prints and collared dresses in the 'Sloane Ranger' style popularised by amongst others; Princess Diana.

Over the decades the Laura Ashley company became an international retail chain with multi million pound turnover. However after difficulties it finally went into liquidation in 2020.

Measurements (laid flat)

Bust 32"

Waist 28"

Hips 34" (would go up to 36" without stretch/pull)

Length underarm to hem 41"

Side zip 17.5" (opens completely from underarm)