Vintage 1950s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Faille Cocktail Dress Size M

$450.00

Brand Poppy's Vintage Clothing

This is a beautiful quality 1950s era black silk faille cocktail dress by Marilyn Monroe’s favorite designer - Ceil Chapman.  The dress features a narrow V shaped plunging neckline with bodice that closes with three matching fabric buttons.  It has below the elbow length dolman sleeves with wide, turned cuffs.  It has a defined waistline and a draped overlay on the skirt, longer on the right side than the left, which is constructed to reveal the underskirt.  Along with the button closures the dress does up with hooks and eyes that continue down into the skirt area.  The dress has a mid-calf length.

Maker: Ceil Chapman. Ceil Chapman was an American designer, first in partnership with Gloria Vanderbilt, and then on her own, with her husband as a partner, starting in 1940. She was noted as a favorite of both the public and movie stars. Marilyn Monroe owned a number of Chapman dresses, and others, such as Deborah Kerr, Elizabeth Taylor and Mamie Van Doren wore her designs to important events. She specialized in cocktail and formal gowns and was known for her use of draping and fine fabrics.

Sizing:  No size is indicated, but this should fit a medium size - please rely on the following exterior measurements for fit, taking the style of the dress into account (compare measurements with a similar dress that you presently own or to your own body measurements, taking the cut of the garment into account):

Shoulders and sleeves:  41” across the top from cuff to cuff - the shoulder is difficult to estimate due to the dolman cut of the sleeves

Sleeves:  15” across

Bust: 36” - 38” around, meant to be a little roomy due to dolman sleeve

Waist: 28” around

Hips: Full - 44” around, but meant to fall loosely

Length to Waist: 20”, measured flat

Overall Length: 46”, measured flat

Condition: In very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear, stains or or defect.  This dress looks to have seen moderate495 use and was well stored over the years.

This is a beautiful quality dress, classic and easy to wear, yet striking and sure to make an impression.....