Why, then, did Saks chose to print this ad in black and white instead of full color? Yes, the advertising cost would have been higher, but this ad just doesn't convey the dress as it should. Perhaps 1970 was a time of belt-tightening and cutting costs. I find this a lot in the pages of most fashion magazines from this time period. Clothing that should be shown in all its colorful glory is disappointingly printed in black and white. OK, rant over.
I love the way the elaborate beading and braid at the neckline complements the wild print. There is no designer mentioned, so this is likely by Saks' custom design department. Sophie Gimbel had just retired the year before, so I don't know who designed this beauty. I can tell you that the dress was $130 in 1970 (about $787 in today's dollar) and was worth every penny.
Photo from a Saks ad appearing in Vogue 1970.
