Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 Black Silk Dress - 12" W designer-biba I suspect that at some

I suspect that at some pint the dress has been altered around the waist and perhaps the back was taken out

You could easily add a sash or belt to cinch the waist in even more

This wonderful Haute Couture example that I believe dates to the late seventies or early eighties

Item# DD4011

Waist: 13" flat across the back from side to side

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 Black Silk Dress - 12" W designer-biba I suspect that at someThe Shrimpton Couture Archivess This spectacular dress has a very old Hollywood feel to it and hugs the body just past the hips. It is cupped and has tiny straps. The silk is all gathered and ruched through the body. The skirt is multiple layers of silk netting that flare out tremendously around you.