Patrick de Barentzen Dress - 1961

My oh my, I would not have guessed this dress was as early as 1961, but those Italian designers tend to surprise me quite frequently.  This dress by Patrick de Barentzen is fashioned of black and white silk shantung.  The back is held together with a black ribbon.  Originally came with a matching jacket (but of course!)  Even though the dress is backless, the woman who wore it would not have gone bra-less.  Not in 1961!  Either she is wearing a backless corset or the dress has one built into it.