This was obtained from a client who was a long term client of Norell and though it has lost its label it is a Norell. Of course provenance is everything so it is priced far lower then it would be with its label so its a steal.

The dress is chic and sophisticated. I think every collector of vintage cannot go long in collecting before a Norman Norell lands in thier closet. His dresses are cut with a master's hand and every line and seam is deliberately placed exactly where it should be. This particular dress is a classic silhouette and can be worn on its own or with something layered under it or over it. I know it is not as flashy as some pieces are in vintage, but it is beautifully made and the type of dress that is a solid basic for any closet. It is a sleeveless wool crepe shift dress in a deep chocolate. Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. The front is suspended buy little straps and then it is cut in a chic sheath. At the back, it dips into a soft curve to leave an expanse of skin showing. This is a classic dress that will last you a lifetime and never go out of style. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching brown silk that is entirely hand set. It closes with a hand set side metal zipper. At some point the hem was let down and the edge is finished with the ribbon he used on his inner seams. The inside lining is cut and not attached/finished around the inner edges. It could be worn as is or shortened to your desired length.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3512

Reference Photo: Vogue, March 1968.

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 is the twin of the dress that was worn by Judy Garland in 1963. It is tiny and I would like to think that somehow it is that exact same dress but I have no provenance to be able to prove it. What I do know is that this is one of Garland's most iconic photos and that the dress is incredible. having the photo also gives you an extraordinary example of just how fabulous it is on the body.

Norman Norell dresses were not only extremely chic and sophisticated, they are also cut with exception mastery. Every line and seam is placed exactly where it should be to flatter the body and create an air of sophistication. This particular dress is a fabulous example of just that and the lines of it are amazing. It is a chic wool jersey sheath whose fabric has a bit of texture to it and has a long and sleek line to the cut. The neckline is squared off and the sleeves are capped. There is an attached piped belt made of the same fabric that ties, and defines, the high set empire waist. From there it falls in a sleek column that gently widens out as is nears the floor. It closes off side and with a tightly spaced row of black buttons. These start at the square neck and run all the way down, ending with an open vent below the last one so if you choose to do a drama pose in it like Judy did, you can! Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. I love it. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine black silk and closes at the front with the buttons as shown. The attached belt ties into place. Proper button holes finishes on all. Hand finished throughout and made to demi-couture standards.

Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 10.5" from shoulder to seam under bust
Skirt: 42" from neck to hem, with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3377

Reference Photo: Judy Garland in Norman Norell by Richard Avedon, New York, January 7 1963.

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

Norman David Levinson launched his label - Norman Norell in 1960 and he was quickly the darling of the social set and starlets. Lauren Bacall often wore his pieces fr example. He was known for his impeccable tailoring, meticulous fit, and quality fabrics. He often took day shapes and made them out of more evening appropriate fabrics - like fine silks as this one has been created from. He had the unique ability to translate Paris couture into American ready-to-wear and with prices to match their French counterparts.

I absolutely love this dress. The lines and cut are somewhat similar to a dress I have had in the shop previously that was dated to 1963. This one is even better then that one was with its bright and cheerful checked print. The silk is a very high and fine grade and I love a pink and white gingham print. It has an extravagant and wide, attached tie in the same fabric that you can use to create a dramatic bow as I have. It comes with its original belt covered in a matching fabric which allows the waist to be cinched in tight. The sleeves are incredible. Each is cut on a curve to follow the natural shape of the arm. The pouf up at the shoulders and narrow to the wide cuffed wrist. Each cuff is a full 4" long and closes with four thick, hand cut mother of pearl buttons. The interior of each sleeve is finished in a silk organza so that the sleeves keep that volume that you see. It is cut to be more fitted through the bodice and then the skirt has incredible volume. I took a photo of the inside so you can see how its gathered up and through the waist to give it that fullness. If you wished to, you could add a crinoline to get a really full look.  It closes down the front with another row of those same thick MOP buttons in a larger size then the ones on the cuffs. The workmanship on this dress is incredible. This is an amazing example of his early work and of dress making during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in a hand set white silk through the bodice and ivory silk organza through the sleeves. The skirt is unlined. Closes down the front with a series of hand carved MOP buttons. Each sleeve has four MOP buttons. The white on the silk of the belt has darkened a touch over time as you can see in the photos. The back of the belt is stamped Norman Norell. Hand finished. One side of the tie at the neck is slightly shorter then the other but this is how it is meant to be so that when you tie it they fall evenly. 

Sleeves: 26"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to bottom of the waist banding
Skirt: 35" from waist to hem with a 5" hem turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3318

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