Vintage 1980s Strapless Dress Pat McDonagh - Size M

This is a 1980s short strapless dress, made by Canadian designer Pat McDonagh, of black polyester velvet with organdy skirt.  Pat McDonagh was an important figure in the Canadian fashion industry starting during the mid-60s, when she moved to Canada from London, importing the “mod” look.  She designed clothes for the Beatles for what McDonagh called a dreadful first film called “Beat in the Border” (I can’t find any reference to this film anywhere).  She also designed for Diana Rigg for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers.  Twiggy, before she became known, worked for her as a model and in the stockroom when she was still in London. The Canadian Textile identification number of CA 03310 on the label of this dress belonged to Jozsef Lenart, who became McDonagh’s personal and business partner in 1974.  The dress has a button-up bodice that allows one to slip the dress onto the body.  The skirt is made up of two layers of polyester organdy fabric in a mid-thigh length.

Sizing: Size 7/8 is indicated, so this should fit a a medium size - please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Bust:  32”-33” around

Waist:  27” around

Hips:  36” around

Overall length:  27", measured flat

Condition:  It is in very good, clean condition with no wear, tear, holes, stains or odors.  This dress has been very well cared for and stored over the years.  

Pat McDonagh had a career as a model during the 1950s, working for the Paris fashion houses of Maggy Rouff and Jacques Heim, opening fashion boutiques in England in 1960 and began designing starting during the early 1960s.  Her career spanned decades almost up to her passing in 2014.  She was the recipient of many fashion awards.  This is an easy to wear earlier example of her design work - great addition to a Canadian fashion collection!

Great dress for a prom!