Vintage 1950s 1960s Halter Cocktail Dress by Rappi in Floral Brocade Fabric

This is a vintage late 1950s to early 1960s cocktail dress by Rappi, featuring a brilliant emerald-green and cobalt-blue floral brocade fabric with a lustrous satin finish. The dress has a structured halter bodice, a defined waist and a pleated skirt, characteristic of the cocktail fashions of the period.

The halter-style bodice has a rounded neckline and broad straps that extend around the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back exposed. The fitted bodice is constructed with diagonal seams that form a distinctive pointed panel at the centre front, drawing the eye towards a decorative self-fabric bow positioned at the natural waist.

The waist is particularly small and fitted, while the skirt falls in soft, structured pleats from the hips, creating a flared silhouette with fullness concentrated towards the sides. A long zipper at the centre back provides the closure.

The fabric has an intricate woven floral and scrolling vine design in vivid cobalt blue against the shimmering emerald-green ground. The contrasting colours and reflective satin-like surface give the material considerable depth and brilliance as it catches the light. The dress is lined in blue fabric around the bodice and with white cotton around the skirt.

About the Designer

Rappi was the label of Sydonia Rappaport Samalman, an Austrian-born American fashion designer who specialized in higher-end formalwear, particularly cocktail dresses and evening fashions for debutantes and other fashionable young women. Her designs reflected the refined construction, distinctive fabrics and feminine silhouettes associated with American special-occasion fashion during the mid-20th century.

Sizing

This would appear to fit a small size with a fitted waist, but please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Bust: 34"–35"
Waist: 25"
Hips: 38" (the skirt is intended to fall loosely over the hips)
Length: 41" from the halter strap to the hemline; 31" from the top of the bust to the hemline

Condition

The original hooks on the halter straps are missing. Rather than replacing them in a fixed position, they have been left for the purchaser to position according to their preferred fit. Alternatively, the straps can be tied behind the neck, as shown in the photographs.

Label: Rappi®
Era: Late 1950s to early 1960s, circa 1958–1962
Fabric: Woven floral brocade with a lustrous satin finish; fibre composition not indicated but most likely silk.

A striking vintage cocktail dress with vivid colour, a shiny finish and a distinctive halter-neck design.