.. This dress is a masterpiece designed by the great Norman Norell. The bodice and skirting is divine silk crepe jersey. The midriff section is jet black velvet. The middle is very fitted and structured, the bodice and skirt is loose and billowy. The bodice has a sexy open back.
.. What really makes this dress fly is the intricate accordion pleats where the silk meets the velvet. The silks were finely pleated then attached over the velvet so the edges pop out from the dress. Its incredibly daring and innovative at the time. It was designs like this that set Norell at the top of American couture.