Chic and elegant 1960s vintage eveningwear, from a high end designer known for her separates! Use the top with pants, or pair the skirt with a sleek tank - or wear both together for maximum impact! The cropped sleeveless top is classically 60s, styled with a rounded neckline perfect for showing off a statement necklace It is fitted with diagonal darts but stands away from the lower ribcage. The long A-line skirt has similarly angled darts below the waist. I love the tucked side seam pleats.

SIZE: Labeled size 12

FABRIC/COLORS: A luxurious metallic brocade. I love the spare sophisticated design with narrow tendrils of metallic against the pale gold satiny background. The fiber burn test suggests a rayon/acetate blend.

TAGS: Nelly de Grab, New York. The top has an additional tag for the store where it was sold - Julius Garfinkel & Co., Washington. Garfinkel's was a well known luxury goods department store in DC for many decades.

CLOSURES: The top closes with six self fabric covered buttons in back. The skirt has a short side seam metal zipper.

CONDITION: I have hand stitched a small section of waistband seam that had come open. There is a tiny tannish discoloration just below the waistband in back - see closeup. The outfit will present best after a trip to a good dry cleaner - unfortunately, I do not have anyone in my community I can trust.

Nelly De Grab and her family emigrated to the US after fleeing Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939. She had natural style, and started designing and selling softly pleated cotton skirts in interesting prints. Her first sale was to Peck & Peck. She became known for mix and match separates, and extended that aethetic to eveningwear using luxury fabrics like velvet and brocade. She continued as an active designer until her death in 1972, when Lowell Judson took on that role. The company continued until at least 1976.