Alfred Bosand Dress

[Zample22]

Hello everyone,

I recently found this incredible Alfred Bosand gown at an antique thrift store and would love some help identifying more about its background, possible era, and whether it might have been worn by someone notable.
Details:
Designer: Alfred Bosand
Retailer label: Martha’s (New York / Palm Beach / Bal Harbour)
Features:
- Off-the-shoulder puff sleeves with ribbon straps
- Empire waist with structured pleated bodice
- Full, gathered skirt
- Ivory silk or organza overlay with vertical bands of metallic gold and pink floral embroidery
- Fully lined with interior boning

There are no additional interior tags or handwritten markings that I could find. I’ve attached detailed photos of the exterior and inner structure of the dress.

I’m hoping to learn the approximate year or range of years this would have been made. And if anyone recognizes the collection or has seen similar designs by Bosand (or any designer) from that era.

I know Bosand was known for dressing Judy Collins, Dionne Warwick, June Carter Cash, and several Miss Americas, so I’d love to know if this could have been a custom or boutique piece tied to a known client.

Thank you so much in advance—this dress is truly special, and I’d love to learn everything I can about it!

 

[Vintorious]

From what I can gather, Martha's stores closed in the late 1990's, so it can't be much newer than that. That said, it has an opulent 80's look to me. As to who may have worn it: it's unlikely that any of the people you mentioned would have bought this 'off the rack' at a Martha's shop--not impossible, but not likely. Regardless of who wore it, it's a beautiful dress!