American fashion designer Ceil Chapman, who worked primarily during the 1940s to 1960s in New york, created glamorous cocktail and party dresses for celebrities and society belles alike.
Reportedly Marilyn Monroe’s favorite designer, Chapman provided the trousseau for Elizabeth Taylor’s 1950 wedding to Nicky Hilton and designed for Deborah Kerr, Grace Kelly and Aretha Franklin. Today, her designs are still sought after by many people including women like Dita Von Teese, who appreciate the body-conscious silhouette of her designs.
Born in Staten Island, Chapman worked primarily with silk, taffeta, jersey, chiffon and metallic brocades, often embellished with lace, beads or sequins. She died in 1979.
Pictured is a 1950s sequined ice blue satin cocktail dress with a shimmering beaded bodice and accented waistband.
