Description
This is a fabulous unique dress by one of the founders of Australia’s Dotti label, Linda Bowen. I personally remember when the Dotti chain store opened. It was truly unique as it seemed to stock fair priced modern clothes for the young market – that was slightly out-of-the-box & quirky. I loved Dotti stores back then. This dress screams that quirkiness. Dotti was founded by Linda in 1981, so this dress possibly pre-dates that.
“Dotti was founded by Raymond Levis and Linda Bowen in Sydney in 1981. Rumours persist that the inspiration for the Dotti name comes either from Linda’s mother Dorothy, reputedly a style icon in her own right, or from the stylish shopping destination in Rome, known as Via Condotti.” – Source: https://www.dotti.com.au/shop/en/dotti/about-dotti
The dress seems to take inspiration from Goth/Punk vibes that were all the rage at the end of the 70’s. The bodice is a fake corset look, (it actually zips at the back), and is made from a heavy cotton.
The full skirt is stunning and reminds me of the fabric you would find in a 1980’s Studebaker Hawk design. It’s light & airy featuring a flecked velvet design of fish.
To summarize this is a unique, over-the-top, classic piece of Australian fashion history. Anyone would be proud to own & wear this. It will certainly turn heads & create conversation! It is tiny though, best fitting an Australian size 6. It is still in fantastic condition.
