1950s Mildred Davis Lloyd Owned I. Magnin Lace Dress

This stunning dress has a double dose of celebrity. Originally it belonged to Mildred Davis Lloyd, who was an actress that entranced audiences during the heyday of the silent film before giving up her career when she married comedian Harold Llyod. After her death it was acquired by long time Hollywood memorabilia collector Debbie Reynolds for her once dreamed of Hollywood costume museum. I have acquired directly from my client who bought it at the latest Debbie Reynolds auction in May of 2014. The dress will come with a certificate from the auction house guaranteeing its provenance.

Even without its amazing celebrity connected background the dress is exquisite and a wonderful example of the high end workmanship that dresses in the 1950s were being made with. It only has its I. Magnin label, but I am sure it is a high end designer piece as it has all the hallmarks of one. The lace work is astonishing and very beautiful. It appears to be a hand made lace done to create a beautiful floral design on a fine net backdrop. Each flower has twisted knots of velvet cord to highlight its center. This creates a beautiful 3D effect. The lace lies over two other layers of tulle in the skirt, one plain and one dotted to crate depth and more texture. Under this is a boned corset and underskirt in a layer of nude fabric. The skirt is very full and I have styled it over a light crinoline so you can see the fullness through the skirt (crinoline not included). The bodice has a pretty wide shoulders done in lace and a V back. I love how the lace finishes in a scallop at the bottom hem and how that same delicate detail is picked up where it lies over the silk edge on the top. Excellent, museum quality condition. 

Fully lined in a nude colored silky rayon with three layers over that making up the skirt as described above. The interior bodice is boned and covered in black net. Closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2071

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.