Andre Murasan was a fabric artist who had a small shop in Greenwich during the 1960s and early 70s. He also eventually sold his one of a kind designs at Elizabeth Arden's, NYC (where this set is from) and in Palm Beach. Each piece was made of a fine silk and completely hand painted. He made wall coverings, textile for the home and also caftans and dresses. These were the most prized and the rarest and clients would wait list for them even the. Though I do occasionally see a caftan or dress come onto the market I have never before seen a dress and cape like this set - and it is magnificent.

Both pieces are hand painted on a fine bias cut silk. The color swirl over the silk and remind me of the desert, going from soft pale peach to deep rust taupes. The supermodel length dress is a simple slip dress and the bias cut allows it to drape over the body and settle into place to flatter your every curve. It is suspended from the shoulder and sweep to the floor in a cascade of silk, hearkening back to the great bias cut dresses of the thirties and forties. The cape is a work of wearable art. It is completely hand painted in his signature curving design and flows over and around the shoulders. The silk is heavy enough so that it stays in place but light enough that it will move and swirl magnificently around you when you move and walk. Both pieces are in excellent, museum quality condition.

Both pieces are unlined. The dress closes with a side zipper and is tagged a vintage US6. Its tags also notes that the fabric is silk and hand painted. The cape has a tie at the neck and the dress a slit on one side

Dress
Bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under Bust: to 17"
True Waist: bias cut - to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: bias cut - to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 63" from top to hem. it is bias cut so will rise on the body once on

Cape - one size fits all
Length: 64"
Width: 45"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2364

First Reference Photo: unknown, shot of Murasan's Greenwich village shop.  /  Last Reference Photos: Amanda Lee Shirreffs.   /  Karen Fairchild

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.