Measurements

Size: Extra Small

Bust: 32 inches + 81 cm

Under Bust: 30 inches + 76 cm

Waist: 24 inches + 61 cm

Hips: Free

Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 14.5 inches + 37 cm

Total Length from Outside Shoulder: 41 inches + 104 cm

Hem Length: 1 inch + 2.5 cm

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched seam to seam. Please allow for individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Beautiful 1950s cream silk satin designer dress

* Classic silhouette with cinched waist and full skirt

* Sleeveless bodice with deep scooped neckline, can be worn slightly off shoulder

* Bodice has boning for shape

* Full panelled skirt with pellon lining

* Front and back of dress feature a multitude of dark cream floral appliques

* Pearls, beads and rhinestone accents on each applique

* Fully lined in cream taffeta, with hand finished hem

* Low back with metal zipper

* Label reads Ceil Chapman

Ceil Chapman, as described by her son Peter, had design skills akin to engineering and indeed, if one studies her skilful draping, tucking and folding of fabric, it is clear as to what he meant. Born in Staten Island she became a Chapman when she married her first husband Samuel, with whom she went into business in 1940, having previously set up a company with Gloria Vanderbilt, which traded, albeit briefly, as Her Ladyship Gowns. The earliest Chapman label, ‘A Chapman Original’, endured for around three or four years until it gave way to the simple black on white, or white on black ‘Ceil Chapman’, A needle and thread were incorporated into the logo in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Ceil is often said to be Marilyn Monroe’s favourite designer and the star did indeed wear some Chapman designs, as did a variety of other stars such as Deborah Kerr, who was a personal friend, Elizabeth Taylor, for whom she designed a wedding dress, and Mamie van Doren, who chose a white, beaded, strapless Chapman gown to attend a film premier on behalf of Universal Studios publicity machine that was ‘marketing’ her as a star. Ceil designed for the movies and television and specialised in cocktail and more formal evening wear. Although her clothes were not cheap she did manage to make them affordable to many and her label could be found in department stores and boutiques. Favourite fabrics included silk, taffeta, jersey, chiffon, organdy, cotton and metallic brocades often embellished with beads, lace and sequins. She tended to stick to fairly tried and tested signature styles and so her designs are easily identifiable but also often copied. Ceil Chapman died in the late 1970s.

Condition

One of the prettiest Ceil Chapman dresses I have had the pleasure of owning. It's in excellent condition too for its age. No flaws that I can see, a couple of loose threads near the appliques: in all honesty the dress is absolutely stunning. Cleaned and ready to wear. Please drop us a line if your require additional information about this listing.

Shop Policies

Availability
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 should this rare circumstance arise.

Postage
We make every effort to post your item within 1-3 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg we are away at a fair) we will contact you immediately. Please note that our postage charges are based on standard international and domestic air packages - all with tracking. If you want to upgrade to express postage or require insurance, please contact us prior to checkout and we will adjust the rates accordingly.

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 :)

Alterations
Obviously, as these are one- off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.

Special Orders
If you are looking for something that you don't currently find in our shop - let us know we may be able to help you with a special listing!

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.

1950s Cream Silk Satin Ceil Chapman Designer Cocktail Party Dress- New!