1970s Travona Dress

Condition:
Good used vintage condition. The original zip and decorative fabric-covered buttons remain intact. Some light signs of age may be present due to the garment’s vintage nature. Please review all photos carefully before purchase.

Key Features:

• Brand: Travona Made in Italy – a distinctive 1970s Italian vintage dress label
• Colour: Multicolour geometric print featuring pink, red, blue, teal, orange and black tones
• Design:
  • Sleeveless maxi dress with elegant column silhouette
  • High stand collar inspired by late 1960s–early 1970s fashion
  • Decorative fabric-covered side buttons
  • Centre-back zip fastening
  • Bold graphic print with a strong Italian boutique aesthetic
• Style: Mod-inspired Italian vintage / boutique resortwear
• Provenance: From Doreen Willis Bailey’s private wardrobe collection

Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:

The 1970s Travona dress represents the colourful world of Italian boutique fashion from the late 1960s to early 1970s. Travona appears to have been an Italian ready-to-wear label known today through surviving vintage pieces featuring bold prints and distinctive silhouettes.

The geometric pattern, high neckline and streamlined maxi shape reflect the era’s fascination with graphic design, modernism and expressive colour. This Made in Italy vintage dress captures the elegant yet playful style of Italian resortwear and boutique fashion from the period.

Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:

This piece comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, a Canadian-born TWA hostess in the 1940s–50s who later worked with the American government to promote international travel in the UK. Renowned for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and impeccable taste, she met and served many influential figures, including JFK. Now celebrating her 100th birthday, Doreen stands as a living link to a century of fashion, travel, and cultural elegance — her collection offers an intimate glimpse into the wardrobe of a truly remarkable woman.

Size Information:

• Garment Measurements (laid flat):
  • Dress: Length: 142 cm | Shoulder: 35 cm | Chest: 89 cm | Waist: 82 cm | Hip: 100 cm
• Modern Sizing Equivalent:
  • UK: 8–10
  • US: 4–6
  • EU: 36–38
• Model Reference: Model is 160 cm tall and usually wears UK size 6–8.

Please note: Estimated modern size is for reference only. Customers should refer to the exact measurements provided above to ensure the best fit, as vintage sizing can differ from modern sizing.

Materials:
No clear composition label available. Feels like a lightweight synthetic jersey or polyester-blend fabric, typical of colourful Italian dresses from the late 1960s–1970s.

Care Instructions:
Dry clean recommended due to age and printed fabric. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Iron on low heat from the reverse side if required.

Visit Us or Shop Online

Order online with worldwide delivery, or visit us in-store at Gong Nong Bing Vintage,
68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).

UK delivery: £4 on orders under £100, free over £100.

International delivery: Calculated at checkout on orders under £100, free over £100.

Customs & import taxes: International customers are responsible for any applicable customs fees, import duties or taxes. Please read our
Shipping Policy before placing your order.

Explore More

Want to see more from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here or explore our vintage dresses.