The Wrap Dress. A Fashion Essential.

     The Wrap Dress.  We all know that we are supposed to love them.  They are advertised as being classic and timeless; sophisticated yet alarmingly attractive.  Perfect for any occasion.  Easily transitioned from office to evening cocktails.  What is your experience with the wrap dress?  I remember when I first tried one on in high school.  It seemed cumbersome to me and not particularly flattering.  For one thing, it did not have enough coverage on top.  If you have a bust, most wrap dresses have a plunging neckline...and the neckline tends to "unwrap"!  Next...walking down the hill from the classrooms to gym class...the wind would blow through the canyon, and my dress would blow open with it!  Giving all the freshman boys a peep show was not exactly the desired effect.  The wrap dress was supposed to transform me into an elegant, "grown-up" woman.  It should not have contributed to my already substantial awkwardness! Forget the wrap dress! I swore them off for the rest of my life.  To me, they equaled impossible to wear, dorky, and last but not least, not sexy. 

The history of the wrap dress is shrouded in mystery and controversy.  According to the elder members of my family, the wrap dress has been around since the 1930s as an around-the-house cover-up made out of muslin.  I found a very fashionable looking wrap dress from the 1930s:

     

Clare McCardell is the earliest known designer of a "wrap dress" that I could find.  In 1946, she created what became known as the "popover" dress.  Millions were sold of this cute cap-sleeved wrap pictured below: 

     According to Vicky Tiel, french couture designer and business partner of the late Elizabeth Taylor, she and Mia Fonssagrives designed a wrap dress in the 1960s which was popularized long before the infamous DVF wrap dress.  Vicky Tiel's Website In 1968, Vicky and Mia created a printed jersey wrap dress in 1968 for Joan Arkin, a U.S. dress license.   Again in 1968, Via and Mia's wrap dress was featured in Redbook Magazine.  Then again, the wrap dress was created by the duo for the movie Candy (1969).  Vicky Tiel wrap dresses are now sold on HSN.  HSN backs Vicky...so it seems very legitimate that Vicky created the version of the "wrap dress" that was has been popularized since the 1970s.  Vicky Tiel on HSN

The Vicky Tiel Wrap Dress

Vicky Tiel and Mia Fonssagrives in 1960s


I confess.  In my opinion, there is no wrap dress that can come close to Vicky Tiel's.  It redeemed the wrap dress!  I purchased one on HSN.com and never looked back.  Her dress does everything the wrap dress should.  It is elegant and slimming.  The dress gives you the perfect hour glass figure...even if you do not have it.  Furthermore, it does not fly open in the wind and is never "vulgar" in the neck line.  That is not to say it isn't hot.  Every time I wear it, the men definitely notice.  The girls love it too! They ask me where I got the amazing dress...
Conclusion:  If you are looking for a wrap dress, buy Vicky Tiel's.  It is not only beautiful, but professional  and comfortable.  Do not hesitate to wear it to the office.

My Vicky Tiel Wrap Dresses!