1950s Carolyn Schnurer Knife Pleated Cotton Print Dress

Carolyn Schnurer traveled the world - no small feat back in the 40s and 50s when she was designing, and her clothing always has that mix of the exotic - often through the prints and fabrics - and a certain sense of ease that one would need if traveling and seeing the world. She was one of the early sportswear focused designers and is known in particular for her gorgeous little swimsuit and day wear. I don't find her pieces often which is a shame because they are really well made and quite pretty. This is a lovely example of her work and made of that crisp cotton that one finds from this era. The color is a deep olive with a pretty print and border that highlights the cut of the dress. The bodice is kept simple and sleek and this tops an elaborately pleated skirt. The skirt is made of a series of perfect knife pleats that loosen as the near the hem for a pretty swish of volume. Excellent condition but please read notes below.

Unlined and closes with a small back painted metal zipper at the neck and then one that runs down the side. It is in excellent condition but it looks to me like the sleeve opening was re-done at some point in its history. It is well done but seems a little lower then it would be. I suspect it was done to open a tight armhole opening. Priced accordingly and a bit of a bargain because of it.

Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from neck to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2568

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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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.