This vintage 1950s dress flatters every curve. It is clearly inspired by famed designer Ceil Chapman, the master of draping. I actually scoured every inside seam half expecting to find one of her tags tucked away in a discreet spot! The va-va-voom bodice is styled with a vee-neckline and is fitted with multiple darts front and back. Dolman sleeves sit at the edge of the shoulder - they have darting for ease at the elbows. The skirt and "cummerbund" feature draping that is simple in its effect - Wow! - and complex in its execution. The skirt is gently pleated into the front waistline - it wraps in front, creating a center slit with a curving corner. Most of the cummerbund is cut from the same piece of fabric as the left side of the skirt, wrapping up and across the waist area and around to the back on the right. The cummerbund also wraps in front - both sections are artfully draped in front and around the side, inserting into the zipper placket in a 4" wide section of tight shirring.

SIZE: No size label  

FABRIC/COLORS: Black, medium weight, probably rayon. The bodice, upper sleeves, and upper skirt are lined in acetate-type faille.

TAGS: No tags

CLOSURES: The dress closes with a long metal Talon zipper down the back

CONDITION: The upper seam of the shoulders has elastic inside to sit more securely. The elastic seems to have lost some of its stretch. Replacing the elastic would be pretty easy - open the seam and insert a fresh piece. I decided to leave it be so that the new owner can customize the preferred fit.
The acetate lining has color-turned to reddish tones - this is common for lining of this era, and is not seen when worn.