..Thea Porter was born in Jerusalem, raised in Syria, lived in Beirut, then she finally settled in London, opening a small textile and dress boutique in the early 1960s. She sold bedspreads, pillows and caftans. The caftans were selling so well, she couldn't keep her store stocked, so she began designing and producing them in England. Her designs were met with tremendous success, and a fashion empire was born.
..This dress is one of the prettiest Porters I have seen in a while. I love the gray and black floral fabric (woven cotton, heavy, substantial), and the sheer silk chiffon sleeves. The cut is reminiscent of a Moroccan gown, but the amazing thing is that the dress flows out from the fitted bodice, to a full circle around. There is so much fabric, it almost has a life of its own. The bodice has a few hooks going up the velvet trimmed neckline. The dress closes with a back zipper.