Help identifying and dating a Latin American (?) gauze dress

[kate em]

Hi everyone! This is my first post here, and I'm excited to join this site.

I just found this beautiful Latin American (I'm guessing) dress and matching wrap, and I'd love to know more about it. Specifically, I'm curious about the era and perhaps country (or area) of origin if it is indeed from somewhere in Central/South America. Also, it has some scattered spots, does anyone have suggestions on how to launder it?

The material is very thin, delicate gauze, with a colorful (maybe handwoven?) border. There are metal "Seal" zippers at the waist and the back of the neck. The stitching looks like it's mostly done by machine.

 

[kate em]

It looks like this one is maybe a mystery! Does anyone know of any other forums/sites that might have info on this type of dress?

 

[Jonathan]

It looks mid 1970s (round collar, see through fabric, matching stole, full skirt, natural waistline, loose sleeves) and appears to be made of cotton crepe which means it should be washable - just check the colours in the hem for colourfastness (dab the colours with a clean white cloth that has been dabbed in boiling water - any colour transfer will show on the white cloth.)

 

[sMarie]

I'm seeing late 40s.

 

[retro ruth]

I also associate that two zippers thing with the 40s, but Jonathan may be right about the other details pointing to 70s, especially the cheesecloth-like fabric. It's lovely.