A 1950s take on a mermaid silhouette the centre panel of the skirt falls straight into the mermaid hemline giving an elongated smooth front. The empire line bodice is gathered to give pleats across the bustline.

A band beneath the bodice is finished with a bow in the dress fabric – both the band and the bow can be made in a wide variety of fabrics and colours.

The mermaid effect is created by netting beneath the mermaid flounce and more net can be added for a more dramatic look.

The edge to edge kimono style coat has a high, standing collar and has pockets.

Based on a design from winter 1956, the full-length coat is lined in satin.

Shown here in duchesse satin and gold brocade.