80s Mermaid Evening Gown Morticia Goth Barbie Women's Vintage XS Climax Karen Okada VFG
This vintage 1980s mermaid evening dress is just fabulous - a cross between Barbie's iconic 1960 "Solo in the Spotlight" dress and Morticia Addams of Addams Family fame. The inner dress has a boned bodice with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. Princess seaming in front is combined with vertical ruching that extend down every seam, ending a bit above the knee in front, lower in back. The dress hugs every curve, and is accented with a narrow vertical ruffle down the front, topped by a row of small crystalline plastic shanked buttons. The lower skirt is gathered onto the above-knee seam and explodes out nicely, assisted by the inner layer of net.
SIZE: Label size 3/4. There is flex to the fit, but not as much as you might think. My usual model, who currently wears a modern size 6, could not get the dress on over her hips because of the relatively short zipper.
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Bust | 35" | 89 |
| Approximate waist | 35" | 89 |
| Approximate hips | 37.5" | 95.25 |
| Length from center front neckline to bottom of ruched portion | 31" | 78.75 |
| Circumference of bottom of ruched portion | 33" | 84 |
| Front skirt length | 17" | 43 |
| Sweep | 180" | 456 |
FABRIC/COLORS: According to the fabric label, the dress is 100% polyester, dry clean only, and was made in California. The fabric is a light weight taffeta, black.
TAGS: Climax, Karen Okada, for David Howard
CLOSURES: A 13" nylon zipper down the back. The clear plastic "crystal" buttons down the front are decorative and not functional.
CONDITION: No stains, holes, tear or other issues noted.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.