Mam’selle by Betty Carol 1959 Sculptural Petal Puff Long Sleeve Black Dress

Utterly fabulous Betty Carol for Mam'selle 1959/1960 taffeta and wool dress. Sculptural and seamlessly of-it's-time, yet bewilderingly light years ahead. Mam’selle was one of the higher end and comparatively expensive of the Seventh Avenue Junior labels for young women. The sleeveless iteration of this design was documented in the September 1960 issue of Vogue, and the scan is included below.

Expert construction. The bodice and sleeves are made from a smooth woven wool with an elegant, wide boat neckline. Sophisticated and sexy plunging back. Princess seaming for a fitted silhouette throughout the bodice to the drop waist. 

The wool skirt has a pencil silhouette with a series of 14 inset taffeta petals about 3" below the waist. Despite the voluminous skirt, the dress still has a svelte look and fit. The taffeta is thick and luxurious with tulle within the puffs. 

The dress is not fully lined, but the bodice of the wool dress has a woven cotton backing sewn with it. The sleeves are unlined and the lightweight wool weave is slightly sheer.  The dress skirt has been constructed with a backing of Pellon interfacing to give the dress skirt the stiffened, voluminous silhouette without all the fuss of a crinoline. Zipper closure down the center back of the dress. Two of the petals at the back of the dress discreetly snap on and off for back zipper access. The cuffs zip up the forearm 4 inches. 

The dress has Betty Carol's Mam'selle label as well as the California boutique label, Marsi's.

Very good vintage condition. Gentle wear commensurate with age. There is a small abrasion to one of the side front taffeta petals. 

Fits like a modern US 2 or 4.

Measurements:

Bust:  33”

Waist:  25”

Drop Waist: 30" (above petals, high hip)

Hip:  Open at 43” maximum

Length:  38” 1/2

Shoulder:  15”

Sleeve:  22”