Vintage Ceil Chapman Black Cocktail Dress 1940s

SOLD

Detail: Extremely rare jet black vintage evening dress by Ceil Chapman from the late 1940s. Beautifully constructed, using yards of fabric perfectly weighted to create an hour-glass silhouette clearly inspired by Dior's "New Look", with nipped in waist and an asymmetrical peplum that forms hard corners and soft draping. The proportions are clever and complex. The hemline is weighted in critical areas to ensure perfect form and movement. Zip fastening to side with single hook and eye. Three quarter length sleeve with turn-up cuff. 

Period: Late 1940s

Colour: Jet Black

Sizing: UK8. Bust upto 36. Waist 25-6. Hips upto 34. Length from top of neckline to hem 45 (inches) Size Conversion Guide

Fabric: High quality Rayon

Condition: Excellent. Vintage Condition Guide

Origin: USA

Care: Specialist Dry Cleaner

Click for more delivery information

Ceil Chapman was known for being Hollywood’s go-to gal for a cocktail dress or knock out frock and famous for being Marilyn Monroes favourite designer. Chapman also designed Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding dress when she married Conrad “Nicky” Hilton. Chapman was among those who succeeded in adapting Christian Dior’s “New Look” for relatively affordable cocktail wear, targeting the American ready-to-wear market. Chapman worked at 530 Seventh Avenue in New York’s garment district during the 1950s. Some of Chapmans designs are now housed in the collection at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art…