1970s Indian Cotzon Gauze Dress with Silver Lurex and Quilted Yoke

A beautifully made 1970s Indian cotton gauze dress, richly patterned and subtly shot through with fine silver lurex thread throughout the entire fabric. These dresses were produced for the Western market during the late 1960s and 1970s, drawing on traditional Indian textile techniques while embracing the romantic, bohemian silhouettes beloved by the era.

This example features a striking quilted crossover yoke in deep navy cotton, edged with decorative trim and fastening at the shoulder. The yoke is structured and non-stretch, creating a defined empire line, from which the dress falls into a soft, flowing skirt. The cotton gauze body is lightweight and airy, woven with silver lurex that catches the light beautifully without overwhelming the print.

The print itself is a rich palette of purples, pinks, magentas and lilacs, with a contrasting ruffle panel at the hem in a coordinating floral pattern, also threaded with silver lurex. Long sleeves fasten at the wrist with small buttons, adding to the refined, considered construction of the piece.

This is a dress that works beautifully styled traditionally with boots or flats, but is just as striking worn more casually or layered for modern wear. A special and increasingly hard-to-find example of high-quality Indian export dresses from the 1970s.

Condition is very good vintage condition. Light, expected signs of wear consistent with age, but no structural issues. Clean, wearable, and full of presence.

Labelled size M. Due to the narrow shoulders and structured, non-stretch quilted yoke, best suited to a modern Small to Medium. Please refer carefully to measurements.

Measurements (laid flat):

Pit to pit: 54 cm / 21.3 in

Empire waist (underbust): 48 cm / 18.9 in

Skirt width at widest point: 75 cm / 29.5 in

Shoulders: 38 cm / 15 in

Sleeve length: 54 cm / 21.3 in