Background & description
From one of our favorite under-the-radar designers, Belgian-born Kaat Tilley, comes the Mary Beth bodice. We are always thrilled to unearth true plus size vintage bridal garments for our community, and Kaat Tilley pieces are difficult to come by, so this was a very exciting find!
Mary Beth is made of crisp silk taffeta and has an off-the-shoulder neckline with elasticized off-the-shoulder sleeves. It features faux boning for a skin-tight, rather than structured, fit. The front closes with Tilley's trademark fabric loops and velvet-covered buttons, and the back has a functional corset that is laced up by a frayed-edge voile ribbon. (The ribbon can, of course, be switched out if desired.)
Tilley was a master of the '90s fairy-goth, loose, undone aesthetic. Snow White was her lifelong design inspiration, which is obvious in nearly all of her designs - and even in the color scheme of her oeuvre, which tends toward moody, muted reds, browns, and creams.
Size & measurements
Measurements must be used to assess whether a garment will fit you or can be altered to fit you. A gown can usually be made 2-3 sizes smaller without compromising the design, but can rarely be made more than approximately 1/2-1” larger without making major modifications. The exterior measurements of this top are as follows:
Bust - up to 44"
Waist - up to 35"
It is approximately a modern size 20. Note on the fit of the Mary Beth bodice: because the back is a functional corset style, it can accommodate a range of measurements. The measurements listed here are approximately the middle of the range. Please note that the bodice has no boning, and we recommend that you wear it with a supportive undergarment (such as a bustier).
Condition
We are known for the excellent condition of our vintage bridal attire. However, vintage garment will always contain some imperfections that result from being worn and/or stored for decades. We make every effort to review each garment thoroughly and disclose the issues we can find. With that in mind, please review the following notes:
Mary Beth is new old stock, meaning it still has its original tags and has never been worn. It is in perfect condition.
