Rare 1940s Black Rayon Couture Dress with Embroidered Roses - New!

Measurements

Size: Extra Small - Small

Bust: 32 inches + 81.5 cm 

Waist: 24 inches + 61 cm

Hips: 34 inches + 86 cm

Bodice Length From Outside Shoulder:  16 inches +  40 cm 

Total Length:  43 inches + 109 cm 

(Please note that the material has some stretch and could accommodate around another inch or so in bust and waist)  

Sorry this dress is on hold and not available for sale at this time....thank you for understanding 

Description

* Spectacular late 1940s - early 1950s black rayon dress

* Classic silhouette with cinched waist and draped skirt

* Nude illusion netting bodice with 3/4 sleeves

* Pink and green embroidered applique roses under netting

* Diagonal hip draping below waist at front

* Back with keyhole neck closure

* Working back metal zipper with press studs on netting

* Label reads "Howard Greer"

Howard Greer
Howard Greer began his fashion career in 1916 working as a sketch artist for Lucile Ltd, and later for Paul Poiret and Molyneux in France. Subsequent to his return to the US in 1921, Greer was hired as chief designer for the Famous Players Lasky Studios, which eventually merged with other production companies to form Paramount Pictures. Here he worked on many of the studio's major films, his work attracting huge interest and accolades. 

Although Greer's illustrious career in movie costume design continued until the late 1950s, in December 1927 he established his own couture fashion house in Hollywood. He was the first major costume designer to do so, producing exclusive custom gowns solely for the major stars. These included Pola Negri, Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Jane Russell, Katharine Hepburn, Shirley Temple and Ginger Rogers. However, his clientele quickly expanded to include society women and their daughters once the quality of his salon’s workmanship became apparent.

Greer established his ready-to-wear line in 1947 resulting in his clothing being sold across the US and entrenching his reputation as one of America's top-tier costume designers. Greer's speciality was designing cocktail and dinner dresses featuring stunning necklines.  Black was his preferred colour preference, frequently complementing it with a range of pinks for contrast (and no I didn't make this up). This piece is a stunning example of his signature work.

Condition 

This beautiful dress is in excellent vintage condition for its age. No notable flaws that I can see - a couple of undone stitches in the seams, only evident when held up to the light. The netting is free from holes. The rear view of the dress shows the press stud undone on the neck...... it's there albeit it does need a couple of stitches to secure more tightly but the reason it is undone is that the size 2 mannequin was a tad too big. Please drop us a line if your require additional information about this listing. A very rare opportunity to own a magnificent piece from a sought-after couturier.

This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologise in advance if this rare circumstance arises.

Shop Policies

Photography
Our photos are taken with a mix of studio and ambient lighting. Whilst we take care with the colour balance of our photos, individual computer monitors register colours differently depending on their calibration. If you want the exact colour shade drop us a line and we will give you the Universal Pantone colours that match the item.

LayBys/Layaways
Yes we do offer flexible layby/layaway options and are open to negotiation as to the time period. Obviously, the more expensive the item the longer the time you will have to finalise payment. Contact us to see how accommodating we can be :)

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