There is just something about a gown made in the 1950s that often no other time period can beat. The attention to detail and level of quality even down to the fabric itself is just beyond. This gown is certainly a designer piece but only has its Bonwit Teller label left and no clues as to the designer who made it. It is beautifully made and the lines of stunning. Black silk sweeps the the floor in yards and yards of fabric that move gently around you as you move. There is a built in inner skirt made of soft dressmakers paper that helps to hold the shape without having to wear a full crinoline under the skirt. I love that the fabric curves over the waist and into the bust with only vertical seaming and no horizontal seam to break the line. This is another sign of the high quality of the gown as this technique uses far more fabric then seaming it across at the waist. The bodice curves up and over the bust with curved boning, hand set inside to help form the shape. A slight dip at the center gives it a pretty line and it is finished with a ribbed white cotton that just peaks over the edge. Brilliant. Excellent condition.

Unlined but with a built in underskirt that is tacked through the waist. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Boned through the bodice and into the waist and the boning is set in individual silk sleeves and hand set. Horse hair ribbon finishes the inside hem for a touch of weight. Hand finishes

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 55.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2155

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. (Cherie is also wearing the Magnetic Midnight Egyptomania "Hartor" Headpiece - click here to see)

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