Vintage 1940s Black Designer Frank Starr Gown - NEW!

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Measurements

Size: Small

Dress

Bust: 35 - 36 inches + 89 - 91 cm

Waist: 27 - 28 inches + 69 - 71 cm

Hips: 38 - 39 inches + 97 - 99 cm

Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 14 inches + 36 cm

Total Length from Outside Shoulder: 57 inches + 145 cm

Hem Length: none

Zipper Length: 14 inches + 6 cm

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Vintage 1940s black commercially made maxi gown

* Classic silhouette with a defined waist and straight skirt

* Bodice with short sleeves and a nude illusion neckline

* Bodice is covered with black lace on sleeves with a deep sweetheart cut

* Skirt consists of black rayon crepe that falls fairly straight from waist

* An open slit at the front from the hem to just under the knees

* Lace peplum that falls in deep flounces to almost the hem at the back

* Dress is decorated with black sequins with a row defining the neckline at the front

* Side metal zipper

* Label reads Frank Starr Original

Frank Starr was a high-profile designer label of the 1930s through to mid-1960s. Frank was a well-known figure in the textile industry, employing talented designers such as Ruth Goode, Celia Phillips and Peg Endersby to create his lines. Apart from being expertly designed, his gowns were sought-after for their precise cut and Parisienne flavour. As a result, Frank Starr was responsible for dressing many glamorous and high-profile women in and out of Hollywood. His label was so highly regarded that in 1952. when a promotion was held to find THE perfect gown - he was featured amongst the likes of Dior. Balenciaga and Balmain. His wife, Claire was a costume designer for films and their son, Malcolm took over the business in the 1960s. At the time, the family was one of the first to lease factories in India and China for manufacturing, and also operated boutiques in Hong Kong and Japan. This particular dress is both fabulous and stylish and is, in fact, very similar to one worn by a prominent socialite of the period as written in the Syracuse Herald March 1948 " she was resplendent in a wristlet of Vanda orchids worn with a Frank Starr original black crepe dinner gown with split skirt and a full lace peplum."

Condition

Excellent vintage condition.

No notable flaws that I can see. - the nude illusion is very slightly discoloured and would benefit from a dry clean - our local one has closed its doors. Tiny snag at the nude illusion - both hardly seen and mentioned for accuracy.

Please note that these are vintage items that have been used and loved over the years, As such, they may display slight evidence of their age. Any notable flaws will be highlighted.

Comment

Beautifully made dress - looks like it stepped out of a Hollywood Film Noir

The listing is for the dress only and does not include any other accessories that may have been photographed with the item.

This item has not been pinned to the dress form.

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