bonwit teller
1950s Spectacular Beaded Bonwit Teller Dress
Once in a while a dress comes along that just takes your breath away and this is one of those times. This is a spectacular dress and capelet ensemble that I would bet my last vintage dollar once also had a designer label from one of the important houses of the day. The workmanship and quality and sheer beauty of it are mind boggling. The fabric is the star here with a green silk floral print base that has a soft metallic sheen worked through it. Over this are vertical bands that start at the hem and go up the entire dress. Each band is a wide swath of a very fine, metallic silk brocade that is edged in silver rows of tube beads and has large 3D bead flowers hand formed and running in a tightly spaced design around the dress within each row. This adds a substantial amount of weight to the dress but once on it is perfectly balanced and feels far from heavy. The cut is simple and fitted with wide straps and a straight across neckline. The cape just covers the shoulders and is an absolute gem - almost like topping the dress with a jewel rather then fabric. The construction is marvelous and it is really and truly a special pieces. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in silk - silk taffeta through the body and cape and a silk satin through the bodice. Ribbon finished edges. Lightly boned through the bodice. The cape closes with a fabric covered snap and the dress with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finished interior. You could potentially tuck down the straps and wear this strapless as well.
Dress
Bust: 17.5 " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulders to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem
Cape
Shoulders: to 17" (you could adjust the snap to get perfect fit across)
Width: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 10" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML
Item# E541
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!
Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:
- We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
- payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
- The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
- items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit
We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.
Want it faster?
We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.
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.
