When you need that perfectly made, forever chic LBD this is the type of dress you reach for every time. Norman Norell is the master of the little chic day or cocktail dress and even though his pieces sometimes appear simple they are really a study of cut and perfect construction. This dress is made of a medium weight wool crepe that walks the line perfectly between drape and form. It is a simple sheath with pockets hidden along its side seams. It has an attached belt that you can tie loose so that you keep that sheath feel or cinch to create a more curved shape. It is sleeveless and I love the little tag inside that tell you which way is the front. The inside is beautifully finished to a couture like standard. There is always one small but perfect detail in a Norell piece and on this it is that unusual softly gathered collar that give the neckline a slight fullness and edgy feel. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine grade black silk with hand finishes and ribbon edged seaming. It slips on to wear and one shoulder closes with hidden snaps. The tie belt is original and attached.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 36" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD1695

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

Sometimes suits go in and out of fashion but a Norell suit is always a classic. This one is exceptional. It looks like it should be heavy and the fabric is a decent weight but it is not that thick - too heavy to wear weight. Just a well made, I feel like I am wearing couture weight! The skirt is cut slim and straight and falls just past the knee. The jacket has an almost military vibe to it with four front pockets, a shaped and curved in waistline. The waist is further emphasized with a wide patent belt. It is very chic and structured and impeccably made with lots of couture level, hand finished put into the construction. This piece (and others to come) were sourced by my fellow dealer and collaborator, David Sheflin, and are from a collection of runway samples and custom made pieces. All the Norell's to list in the near future, including this one, were sourced from one the house models. She dated this one as from the 1963 collection or near to that. Excellent condition.

The jacket is fully lined in a navy silk taffeta that is hand set. The skirt is lined in a softer silk crepe, also hand set. The jacket closes down the front with buttons and the skirt closes with a side zipper at the waist. Only the belt has the Norman Norell stamp, the suit itself has no tag. It may never have had one since it was a one off. The belt and jacket both look like they were let out slightly - this is only seen in the inside lining not the exterior of the jacket. Finished button holes - even on each pocket!

Jacket
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 27" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 27.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED

Item# DD1733

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

I just can't get enough of this fabulous little white shift dress with its shiny contrasting black buttons running down the front. This chic little dress is designed by none other then the great Normal Norell who was known for his sharp tailored lines and use of the best possible fabrics. This particular dress is the perfect example of both. It is made from a wonderful linen cotton mix fabric that has a nice crisp and clean feel to it. The tightly spaced, glossy black buttons down the front are bold and really give the dress a surprisingly modern feel even now. Little cap sleeves, a neat collar and just the hint of shape at the waist its simplicity is part of its appeal that allow the starkness of the black and white color and the girl wearing it to take center stage. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a high grade white silk and close with the front buttons. Proper tailored buttonholes and hand finished beautifully inside. Hidden pockets along the side seams. There is the faintest of a small spot near the buttons at the front. Super-size the photo to see - its very faint and was tough to capture. This may come out with additional cleaning. Priced accordingly

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2232

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

Chic and sophisticated, the true connoisseur of vintage cannot go long in collecting before a Norman Norell lands in her closet. His dresses are cut with a master's hand and every line and seam placed exactly where it should be. This particular dress is a classic created from a very unusual and bright color choice for Norell that makes it that much more special and I love it. It is a sleeveless wool crepe shift dress in a bright robin's egg blue. I love that it has this fabulous little pockets at the hip and each pocket is functional. Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. A classic that will last you a lifetime and then still be relevant! Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching blue, fine tissue silk that is entirely hand set. It closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The two tiny front pockets are functional. There is the teeniest, tiniest bit of fading at the exterior under the arm but I am being picky and it certainly does not affect it once one. Some small discoloration to the interior lining that also does not show when on. Priced accordingly.

Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 37" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2275

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

Chic and sophisticated, the collector of the little vintage black dress really cannot go long before a Norman Norell lands in her closet. His dresses are cut masterfully and beautifully with every line and seam placed exactly where it should be. This particular dress is a fabulous example of just that and I love it. It is a chic wool jersey sheath that has fabulous top set pockets on each hip. The neckline is high and the upper bodice accented through the seaming. The sleeves are kept simple with soft gathered cuffs. It has its original belt allowing you to wear it cinched for shape or leave it off for a more easy look. Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. A classic that will last you a lifetime and then still be relevant! Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Unlined with finished edges to all interior seams. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and a hook & eye at the back neck.

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2286

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

A Norman Norell suit is always a classic and this one is exceptional - both for its avant garde and modern feel and also that it has been done in that incredible pink color. The fabric is a decent weight for a boucle but it is not so thick that it too heavy to wear. Just a well made, excellent quality weight.The skirt is cut slim and straight and falls just past the knee (note in the picture the skirt bubbles out on the side a touch - this is the angle of the mannequin's hip and it sits perfect on a real girl). The jacket is cropped just above the waistline and feels so modern at this length. I love the huge matte round buttons that close it too - they are an unusual choice and really add to the suits appeal. It is very chic and structured in feel. It is also impeccably made with lots of couture level hand finishes put into the construction. This piece (and others to come) were sourced by my fellow dealer and collaborator, David Sheflin, and are from a collection of runway samples and custom made pieces. All the Norell's to list in the near future, including this one, were sourced from one the house models. She dated this one as from the 1963-655 time period or near to that. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are fully lined in a cream hand set silk. The jacket closes down the front with buttons and the skirt closes with a hand set back zipper, with a large snap and flat hook & eye at the waist Proper finished button holes and pockets along each seam at the hip. Hand finished throughout and weights in the lining of the skirt so it sits proper. Made to demi-couture standards. The color is best shown in the label photo.

Jacket
Sleeves: 20"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 16" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2456

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

Sometimes suits go in and out of fashion but a Norell suit is always a classic. This one is wonderful and very chic. Very well made, the navy skirt is cut slim and straight and falls just past the knee. The jacket has an almost nautical vibe to it with its jaunty red, white and blue stripes on a classic box shape with just the suggestion of narrowing in at the waist. I love how the stripes line up exactly when buttoned and even the little flaps of the pockets line up perfectly. It is very chic and structured and impeccably made with lots of couture level, hand finishes put into the construction. This piece (and others to come) are from a collection of runway samples and custom made pieces. All the Norell's to list in the near future, including this one, were sourced from one the house models. She dated this one as from the 1963 collection or near to that. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined in a blue tissue silk and the jacket lined in a heavier red silk. The skirt closes with a side set painted metal zipper and the jacket closes with one of his signature buttons at the front. Proper finished buttonholes and the pockets are functional. There is the slightest of thinning on one spot of the inner front collar - its been photoed - please super size the photo to see. Because of where it sits you don't see when on.

Top
Sleeves: 21.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Skirt
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2287

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

This Norman Norell set perfectly symbolizes how he designed for that woman that wanted to feel glamorous, chic and put together in that effortless kind of way. The choice of a classic black wool crepe - a favored fabric for Norell - adds to that timeless feel. The set is made up of of two separate pieces that when worn together walk the line between a suit and a dress. The very inner layer is a skirt that has an attached sleeveless top to made out of a silk lining fabric. This allows the skirt to fall perfectly into place no matter how you move - it is also a sign of the quality of the piece - this uses a lot of extra fabric and you rarely see pieces constructed like that much past this time period. A sleeveless shell top with a large and dramatic attached tie at the neck goes over the inner dress. The shell also has a fully weighted hem so it too falls perfectly. When worn together the two give it the appearance of a wearing a proper dress or modified suit. It is also impeccably made with lots of couture level hand finishes put into the construction. This piece (and others to come) were sourced by my fellow dealer and collaborator, David Sheflin, and are from a collection of runway samples and custom made pieces. All the Norell's to list in the near future, including this one, were sourced from one the house models. She dated this one as from the 1963-655 time period or near to that. Excellent condition.

Both the inner dress and shell are lined in a black silk. The inner dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. The shell closes with a back painted metal zipper and the tie at the neck is attached and snaps into place where it is not. The shell has a weighted hems, ribbon edged finishes and hand finishes. Note that the set has its department store tag (Stanley Korshaks of Chicago) but no Norman Norell tag is present - it does have his signature "front" tag inside the inner dress that is a perfect match to all the other pieces of Norell I have in the shop. It is absolutely a Norell.

Top
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2458

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

This fabulous black full length shift dress with its shiny contrasting black buttons running down the front and big over-sized pockets feels shockingly modern in that minimalist kind of way. This chic dress is designed by none other then the great Norman Norell who was known for his sharp tailored lines and use of the best possible fabrics. This particular dress is the perfect example of both. It is made from a heavy silk fabric that has a good weight to it and feels "high end" when on. The glossy black buttons, his signature, run down the front in a way that is both bold and also gives the dress a surprisingly modern feel. Long sleek sleeves, a back that dips unexpectedly and a bit of fullness to the way the back is cut. I love that the button front allows for a flash of leg. It does have its original belt which allows you to cinch in the waist but it works equally well without it. Its simplicity is part of its appeal. Excellent condition with a condition note below on the belt.

Fully lined in a high grade black silk and close with the front buttons. Proper tailored buttonholes and hand finished beautifully inside. The silk stain belt shows some wear to the edges of the buckle - you could easily have this recovered or just wear another belt (priced accordingly). I feel a skinny belt would also work amazing with this silhouette and perhaps feel more updated.

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2290

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

The design reins of the Norman Norell company was taken over from 1972 until its closure in 1976 by Gustave Tassell, who, like Norell, was also one of the great American couturiers. Gustave won a Coty award in 1962 and continued designing at a demi-couture basis even after the Norell label ended. You can see the nod to the Norell archives in this piece - in fact we have an earlier, shorter version in the shop right now.  For this version, Tassel extended the line to get that seventies silhouette and undated the cut to make it feel more modern. The silk he chose to use is a very fine grade so it drapes and falls fantastically. The finishing details are all done to couture standards so it is extremely well made. I love a red and white dot print which feels modern even now and is always appropriate no matter what era it is from. It has an extravagant attached tie that sits and extends from the base of the neck that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have or simply loop it for a more casual feel. The skirt is long and lean and the waist defined by a narrow band of fabric. Very chic and feels fresh and modern when on. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in fine red silk including the sleeves. Closes down the front with a series of hand covered red silk buttons and then hidden snaps and hook & eye at the waist and below. Each sleeve has a hand set zipper. Hand finished. Note that the color is a true red in person and does not have that slight orange tone the photos show.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to center of waist
Skirt: 41" from center waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2136

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

The Norman Norell company officially began in 1960 and he was quickly the darling of the social set and starlets. He was known for his impeccable tailoring and precision in cut. He often took day shapes and made them out of more evening appropriate fabrics - like fine silks as this one has been created from. I absolutely love this dress. The silk is a very fine grade and I love a red and white dot print. It has an extravagant attached tie that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have. It comes with its original black patent belt which allows the waist to be cinched in tight. Each sleeve is cut wide from the bodice and then narrows to a zippered cuff. This piece (and others to come) were sourced by my fellow dealer and collaborator, David Sheflin, and it is an actual runway sample. All the Norells to list in the near future, including this one, were sourced from one the house models. She dated this one as from the 1963 collection or near to that. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in red silk that is hand set. The sleeves are left unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand covered red silk buttons and then hidden snaps and hook & eye at the waist and below. Each sleeve has a hidden set zipper. Only the belt has the Norman Norell stamp, the dress itself has no tag. It may never have had one since it was a sample.

Dress
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem

Belt
3" high and adjusts to 24 1/4", 25" and 25 3/4"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1679

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

The color is the first thing that catches your eye. In a sea fo black vintage coats this deep green hue is a refreshing change. The double row of textured silver buttons that run down the coat and give it that fantastic military feel are the next thing to catch your eye. Those two things along with the high neat collar, pocket details and chic cut make this Normal Norell couture coat a classic that will never go out of style. Norell was particularly known for his meticulous cut, fit, and use of quality fabrics. He made clothes that lasted and this coat is absolute proof as it looks as fresh now as the day it was made. The cut of this coat is beautiful. It skims the body in a long lean line and is very flattering. It is sharply tailored and the military feel of the cut and detailing is fabulous. Immaculate in its construction, it is a stunning example of why Norell is considered one of the great American couturiers. Excellent condition

Fully lined with a green silk and buttons to close. All four pockets are functional and lined in silk. Each cuff closes with a single silver button that is functional. All the button holes, including those on the cuffs, are properly finished.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C417

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

Normal Norell begain his career working for Hattie Carnegie and then in 1941 partnered with Anthony Traina and his work from then until 1958 appears under the Traina-Norell label. Between 1958 and up to 1960 items appeared under his name only and then in 1960 he officially launched his own label. This dress is an early example of his work from this time period. He was a master tailor and his earlier work explores shape and volume. In February 1958, another version of his "Bubble Dress" appeared in Harper's Bazaar on Dovima whose cape gave it the dramatic shape. This version builds on that shape but puts all the volume into the skirt which allows the top to be bare and sexy for balance.

The finish is incredible and it is very well tailored, beautifully constructed and made from the best possible silk that you could acquire at the time - in fact, his pickiness about using only the best fabrics became a signature move on Norell's part that carried through his career. The soft watercolor floral design is a work of art on its own and the pink and pastel coral hues are flattering on almost every skin tone. Every line is a study in thought and detail and used to contrast and build on the rest of the design. The cups of the halter top are formed and shaped and the back left bare. The waist is set high and is nipped in with a wide hand placed panel of fabric that gives the illusion of the tiniest possible waist. The skirt has an immense amount of fabric and is caught up underneath with tulle and the way it is cut creating that dramatic pouf. I have styled it for maximum volume but it can also be worn without that much volume if you wished (though why?). It also came with its original wide, matching silk stole for a touch of coverage if you wish. Really a remarkable and stunning Norell dress and a piece of fashion history. Excellent, museum quality condition.

Constructed with multiple layers of the same exterior silk and a white inside that serves as lining and support for the structure. It closes with hidden hook and eye on the interior corseting and a hidden painted metal zipper under the waist line. The sash at the waist goes over the closures and hooks into place under the bow detailing at the front for an unbroken line. Inner tulle through the skirt and extremely fine construction. Hand finished and the silk is of extremely high quality and a very luxurious weight.

Dress
Bust: 16-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bust to waist
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem

Shawl
60" x 17"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2653

Reference Photos: Dovima wearing a dress with cape by Norman Norell for Harper's Bazaar, February 1958.

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