harvey berin
Gorgeous 1950s Harvey Berin Black Silk Cocktail Dress w Asymmetrical Neckline
Harvey Berin opened his self-named label in 1921 and by the 1940s his label was considered to be a leader in American fashion. The pieces were actually designed by Karen Stark, his wife's sister, though it is said that all designs had to meet with Berin's approval before going into production. The dresses were made with high end finishes and were often based on the Parisian couture designs of the season. By 1952 Stark had won a Coty award. This dress is gorgeous and a great example of the pieces from this era.
I love the silks produced in this time period. The really good versions all seem to have an extra bit of richness to it that modern silks no longer have. This dress is made out of one of those high end silks and it is gorgeous. The bodice is cut to sit wide on the shoulders and one side of the neckline dips down to create a bit of an asymmetrical feel. It is a subtle detail but it really gives the dress a bit of a vampy feel. There is a inner more fitted bodice piece that hugs the body and keeps the dress in place. The exterior silk drapes over that and this is what lets the back have a slight slouchy feel to it. The waist nips in and is seamed. The skirt falls under that and gradually widens out as it nears the hem. It is very pretty and very chic. Excellent condition.
Fully lined with a black silk organza. There is an inner bodice built into the dress that closes separately with a series of hook & eye down the back. It closes over that with a back painted metal zipper. If you remove or added to the inner bodice piece you could gain at least an inch through the bust, perhaps more and a good 1/2" through the waist because of the way it sits inside. I see a couple of minor abrasions in the fabric of the skirt. Note that it is a true deep black in person
Inner bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4152
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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