The early little black dresses that Ceil Chapman made on the late 40s and early 50s are some of the best examples of her work out there. This piece is quite fabulous with its mix of inky black velvet and ivory silk matte satin. I hope that the girl that decides to make it hers will truly love and cherish it. These early Chapman pieces are very hard to come by and you can see the masterful seaming techniques she employed in this piece. The ivory silk on the bodice inset bodice is sharply pleated across the waist and in the offset notch of the bust. I love how she has set this detailing off center so it looks like the wearer is wrapped into the dress. The skirt is cut slim and long to just past the knee. At the back two black velvet panels drape down the skirt on either side of the center. These are finished with a backing of the same ivory silk used on the bodice so that you get the perfect, unexpected, flash of ivory as you move. An extraordinary piece that is highly collectible. Excellent condition with one minor note below

Fully lined in a combination of an ivory rayon backing the bodice and a black silk through the reminder of the dress. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and is boned through the bodice. There is perhaps an area or two where the velvet's pile is not laying the same way as the rest but this is normal on a velvet dress of this age so more a sign of normal patina then a flaw but still mentioned for accuracy.

Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 46" from shoulder to hem with the back hem about an inch longer and the panels extending about 2" past that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3103

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.