This Vogue-documented 1953 Ceil Chapman is the epitome of elegance. Black rayon jersey with a matte finish drapes with seemingly effortless fluidity due to the masterwork of Chapman. Chapman is revered for her exquisite draping, hourglass silhouettes, and as Marilyn Monroe's favorite designer — a sparkling repertoire and a rabbit hole you should ponder!
The meticulously placed drapes of the shirred bodice sculpt the feminine physique in a flattering form. The wide-set scoop neck and plunged back complement the rounded, organic curves that follow the dress. The dress can be worn as a near off-the-shoulder style to display the full décolletage. Ruched and gathered elbow-length sleeves. Delicate draping beginning at the high hip bone continues down to the hem like a refined ripple. Marvelous craftsmanship we seldom see emulated these days!
The dress closes with a zipper and hook down the back. The skirt has been lined with Pellon interfacing to give the dress skirt the stiffened, voluminous silhouette without all the fuss of a crinoline. The bodice does not have a built-in corselette, but there are four enclosed pillars of boning (one at either breast and two in the back).
"Moulded matte jersey: the most successful dress of its kind. This particular dress is already a fabulous success. See why? It's a fashion, and it's a figure-maker. The entire front is moulded, the side panels are stiffened. By Ceil Chapman of Heller rayon matte jersey." (Vogue, November 1953).
Great vintage condition. A few minor teeny abrasions and pinholes commensurate with the 70+ year age. Fits like a modern US 4. Possibly a US 6 with waist-shaping underpinnings for that true Old Hollywood hourglass effect.
Ceil Chapman 1953 Vogue Documented Details
All measurements in inches (centimeters)
PROVENANCE
Vogue Documented
CONDITION
GREAT VINTAGE
★★★★☆
| Measurement |
Inches |
CM |
| Shoulder (approx.) |
17 inches |
43 cm |
| Sleeve |
15 inches (elbow length) |
38 cm |
| Bust |
35 inches |
89 cm |
| Waist |
26 inches |
66 cm |
| Hip |
40 inches |
102 cm |
| Length |
48 inches |
122 cm |
| Back Scoop Depth |
13 inches |
33 cm |
Ceil Chapman 1953. Vogue November 1953 documented. Black matte rayon jersey with masterful draping. Shirred bodice, wide scoop neck, plunged back. Elbow-length ruched sleeves. Hourglass silhouette with Pellon-stiffened skirt, four pillars of boning. Off-shoulder styling option. ~US 4. Great vintage condition, minor age wear. Marilyn Monroe's favorite designer. Old Hollywood figure-maker. Marvelous craftsmanship.
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