A rare and stunning Thea Porter Abaya robe whose collared front dates this to approx 1978-1980. It is quite beautiful with its stunning mix of white and silver. The caftan is of course perhaps her strongest signature piece and after the recent, first ever exhibit of her work at the FIT Museum in London (of which I am proud to have lent numerous pieces from my archives to) I am very pleased to be able to offer such a strong example of her work here. Yards of almost weightless, flowing, fabric were used with a combination of a silver colored embroidered yarn lace, a silk silver brocade, silver silk satin and last a metal encrusted white silk chiffon with embroidered roses. It is interesting to note that the chiffon pieces have hammered silver applied to them in the manner of the assuit shawls from Egypt. it was deliberately left unlined and it is not until it is on that you realize that not only are the little white chiffon bits transparent but the lace parts are very subtly so as well giving it a sexy feel. The patchwork feel and fabric layout is a work of art! Most remarkably the back is gathered and ruched and I love the little cluster of pearls that sits at the base of the rectangular panel there. Thea was known to hunt antique stores and markets in far off places around the globe and then incorporate and use what she found in her designs and you can feel that influence with the array of fabrics used here. A very special piece, very rare and very special. Excellent, museum quality condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. Closes at the neck with fabric covered buttons. Minor scuffing to the satin from improper storage I believe as it appears to have never been worn.

Width: 58" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All

Item# DD2226

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