1960s French Cats Maxi Dress Cats Like Us

This bright pink 1960s French Cats Maxi Dress is a statement dress! It’s a sleeveless design with white piping around the collar, and down the front that leads to two slits topped with bows, and has a center back zipper. The two sweet cats are designed in green with white daisies around them and phrases in French. “cherchez la femme” or “look for the woman”, “a la belle etoile” or “under the stars”, “vive la bagatelle” or “long live frivolity”, “coute que coute” or “at all costs” etc. It is labeled “Vested Gentress, Valley Forge, PA 65% dacron polyester, 35% cotton, 16″ and in excellent condition, extremely mild fading of white print because it’s hand screened. Vested Gentress was a husband and wife team, Bud and Naomi, from Valley Forge, PA. Bud was a very good doodler and had some cartoons published. He started a men’s clothing line and screen printed vests made-to-order in his home bedroom for some big names like Ambercrombie & Fitch. They played around with a women’s line and eventually dissolved the men’s line. The women’s clothing was official in 1961. Many of the early animal drawings were designed by Bud. There was an activewear line that was sold in country clubs and a kid’s line too! They advertised in The New Yorker and even had four storefronts along the east coast. The company closed in 1985. The cat prints are some of the most collectable designs. The Bust measures 42 inches, 36 inch Waist, 44 inch Hips, a very long 55 inch Length. Shown on a dress form measuring B 42″, W 32″, H 43 1/2”. This is an authentic vintage piece in wearable condition, that has been cleaned and repaired (if necessary). Flaws will be noted, but please ask any questions you may have as this is a FINAL SALE garment and cannot be returned. All items are measured flat the same way we measure our reproduction