This 1950s cocktail dress is by the British designer Norman Hartnell and made to the same standard as French Haute Couture. The dress features his late ‘50s to early ‘60s pistachio green couture label.

Tailored to a classic late 1950s, early 1960s shift silhouette, with a nipped in waist and pencil skirt. Hartnell’s exceptional eye-for-detail is apparent from the unusual high, curved neckline and cross-over V-shaped back. The fabric is stunning: smooth black silk detailed with vibrant roses in fuchsia and deep purple. The roses are detailed with flocking which adds soft texture to the piece. The inside of the dress has a boned lining crafted from a thick, dark khaki green silk. The waistband is curved and meets a gathered panel of fabric on the left side of the waist. The dress is lined in black silk throughout. It fastens under the right arm with a hidden tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp.

In excellent vintage condition with no issues, ready to be worn on the red carpet or for a special event. It has no size labels due to being couture-made and the fabric has no stretch. We believe this would be a best fit for up to a size UK 10-12, US 6-8 with a slimmer hip.

Notes on designer: Normal Hartnell was one of the most outstanding couturiers of his time and greatly admired by fellow designer Christian Dior. Hartnell made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, her coronation gown in 1952 and dressed numerous members of the royal family, aristocracy, film stars and socialite's from the 1920s until his death in 1979. The House closed his doors in the early 1990s with the final head designer being Marc Bohan.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 32 in. (81 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 41 in. (104 cm)