Dorothée Bis knitted dress

[emmasknitwear]

Hi everyone! I found this dress in a thrift shop a while ago. Labeled: Dorothée Bis, a French fashion label, especially for knitwear, founded 1958 by Jacqueline and Elie Jacobson. As far as I know they made knitted dresses during the 60s in mini, midi and maxi, more multi-layered fashion during the 70s and a lot of glamourized designs during the 80s. My question is: Is it 60s, 70s, or 80s? There is also a matching two-colored knitted belt. The collar can be buttoned up. The colorblocking design looks like 80s. But it also feels very 1960 - figure-hugging, rib knitted, no padded shoulders, and nearly ankle-length. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance! Emma

 

[Jonathan]

Bis is notoriously difficult to date because its not trendily following the leading fashion, but rather stays on the artsy side of classic styling. However, with that hem length, I would think its somewhere from the late 70s to early 80s...

 

[northstarvintage]

Oh...I love that!

 

[emmasknitwear]

Bis is notoriously difficult to date because its not trendily following the leading fashion, but rather stays on the artsy side of classic styling. However, with that hem length, I would think its somewhere from the late 70s to early 80s...

Hmmm - yes, but the hem length might also fit to a maxi dress from the 60s. There is a Dorothée Bis label from the 70s here on the VFG, it looks different. It's really difficult :(

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

The spilt cowl neck and length look very similar to the designs of 1980s clothing that I have.

 

[Midge]

This is beautiful! Going by the care label and the collar style, I would also tend to 80s. Here's an 80s pattern with a similar style collar that I acquired recently:

 

[emmasknitwear]

Okay - thanks everybody!

 

[Jonathan]

I just noticed its a heavy ribbed knit - so definitely early 80s. If it were 70s it would be a fine knit.

 

[Joyatri]

@emmasknitwear I was researching a sweater I have with the same label on this site: https://www.europeana.eu/en/search?page=1&view=grid&query=Dorothée Bis (If that link doesn't work, just search for "Dorothée Bis" on the main page of that site.

I found your dress. It's from the autumn/winter 1977 women's ready-to-wear collection: https://www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048232/europeana_fashion_54627313_jpg

@Jonathan It looks like she used heavy and fine ribs in the 1970s and 1980s (I looked at all 1440 images).

Unfortunately, I didn't find my sweater (which I've worn to death), but I believe it's late 1970s/very early 1980s.

 

[Jonathan]

I should have stuck with my first thoughts... the ribbing is odd for the 70s, but that's Bis!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Great sleuthing, Jo! The dress looks great on you, Emma.

I know I am often very surprised when I flip through my old Vogue and other Fashion Mags from the late 70s...a lot of the garments look more 80s.

 

[emmasknitwear]

Great sleuthing, Jo! The dress looks great on you, Emma.

I know I am often very surprised when I flip through my old Vogue and other Fashion Mags from the late 70s...a lot of the garments look more 80s.

Thank you!

 

[emmasknitwear]

@emmasknitwear I was researching a sweater I have with the same label on this site: https://www.europeana.eu/en/search?page=1&view=grid&query=Dorothée Bis (If that link doesn't work, just search for "Dorothée Bis" on the main page of that site.

I found your dress. It's from the autumn/winter 1977 women's ready-to-wear collection: https://www.europeana.eu/en/item/2048232/europeana_fashion_54627313_jpg

@Jonathan It looks like she used heavy and fine ribs in the 1970s and 1980s (I looked at all 1440 images).

Unfortunately, I didn't find my sweater (which I've worn to death), but I believe it's late 1970s/very early 1980s.
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Wow!!! You're fantastic!! Thank you so much!!!