Geoffrey Beene for Harmay, 1956

Geoffrey Beene worked at Harmay from 1950-57. By the time this ad appeared in 1956, he was being credited with his name in small print under the "y" in Harmay. This navy and white silk taffeta dress has a chemise back to the bodice, but the belt keeps the waist tiny. I really like the way the blouson gives way to a flyaway panel at the back of the skirt. Interestingly, Harmay fired Beene in 1957, as they felt the loose chemise looks he was designing were not right for their customer.