Ceil Chapman rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s by dressing stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Aretha Franklin. This gown, however, is a very rare, very early example of her work, dating to the early 1940s. Labels aside, this gown is a really exquisite example of 1940s glamour. It's just not something you see everyday!
FEATURES:
- sheer mesh fabric in a delicious candy-colored plaid (colors are best represented by flat lay photos)
- dramatic balloon sleeves with peaked shoulders
- faux button front (the actual closures are hidden snaps)
- nipped waist
- full, sweeping skirt
- robins egg blue Talon bell zip down the side
- pale grey underdress -- feels like rayon acetate. The underdress is sewn in at the side, and shares a zipper with the overdress.
- A Chapman Original label and a FOGA tag, dating it to between 1940 (when her company was founded) and 1941 (the last year FOGA labels were used) I believe this gown is probably from 1941 as I found an advertisement from that year touting Chapman's innovative use of synthetic fabrics.
FITS LIKE: XS/S
SHOULDER: 14”
BUST: 32.5”
WAIST: 26”
HIP: open
LENGTH: 63.5”
CONDITION: very good. It does have a few flaws but all are quite minor. There's some wear around the hem -- two small high heel holes and some light staining -- this gets completely lost in the drape and flow of the dress. There are some fain spots on the seat, and one near the knee on the front. There's a tiny bit of fraying near the zipper seam, and couple loose stitches in the waistband on the back. The most notable flaw is a yellow spot on the front waist, but even that is not terribly noticeable. This dress presents like an absolute DREAM.
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