Vintage Ceil Chapman Wiggle Dress Floral Printed Cotton 1950s Size M

This is a beautiful quality 1950s era day dress by Marilyn Monroe’s purported favourite designer - Ceil Chapman.  The dress features a wide scoop neckline with an inverted V empire style crossover pleated bodice.  The sleeves are cut short with gathering/pleating to great effect.  The dress has an accented waist and the bodice is supported by two stays.  The fabric is printed with a floral pattern in tones of blue and green with touches of yellow and white.  The pattern resembles an impressionist painting.  It is lined in a blue acetate or rayon taffeta and has a metal zipper closure down the back.  The dress is beautifully finished - super quality

Label: Ceil Chapman label sewn into the interior top back. 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 favourite 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.

Retailer’s Label: Simpson’s Salon Vendome.  During the 50s and 60s, Canadian department stores would have a boutique within the store that carried higher end fashion, including haute couture, and catered to a wealthy clientele.  The Salon Vendome at Simpson’s was such a boutique within a store and its competitors in Montreal would have been the Ensemble Shop at Eaton’s, Le Petit Salon at Dupuis Freres and the Fur Salon at Ogilvy’s and Holt Renfrew. 

Fabric:  It appears to be a fine quality polished cotton. 

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:  16 1/2” across from shoulder/sleeve seam to shoulder/sleeve seam

Sleeves:   7” from the shoulder/sleeve seam

Bust: 34” around

Waist: 27” around

Hips: 35” around, but meant to fall loosely

Overall Length: 39”, measured flat

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

This is a lovely 50s era day dress by an iconic designer, classic and easy to wear, yet with a striking print and quality fabric - sure to make an impression!