Late 1950s Designer Charcoal and Gold Stripe Cocktail Dress- New!
Measurements
Size: Small
Bust: 34 - 36 inches + 86 - 91 cm
Waist: 28 inches + 71 cm
Shoulder Edge to Shoulder Edge: n/a
Hips: open
Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: varies as it slopes
Total Length from Outside Shoulder: 43 inches + 109 cm (Taking into account the estimated length from shoulder to bust as it is strapless)
Hem Length : 1 inch + 2.5 cm
Zipper Length: 13 inches + 33cm
Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.
Description
* Late 1950s silk blend cocktail dress
* Fabric design features alternating wide stripes in charcoal with black lines and a thinner gold lurex stripe
* Classic silhouette with a defined waist and wide skirt
* Bodice is strapless with a turnover band in self-fabric
* Black contrasting fabric is exposed at the bodice edge at the front
* Sloping waistline that starts underbust and sweeps down at the back
* Decorated with self-trim and bow at centre bodice
* Skirt features chevron stripes at front and vertical stripes at the back
* Back with metal zipper
* Fully lined in black acetate
* Label reads Jean Allen and sold at Harvey Nichol's Department Store
Jean Allen was a London-based fashion house operating in the 1950s through to the High Street boom of the 1970s. The company produced fine-quality fashion items. Sue Irving, an employee of the company in the 1970s recalled that “there was an actual Jean Allen who controlled the fashion house, at Cavendish Square London, she was married to a Mr Parry Billings who was instrumental in the day to day decisions. I only know this as I worked there in 1975. They used to source models from the London College of Fashion, Mr Billings always said that their girls knew how to walk properly! They operated a factory in Italy where their designs came to life.” Pierre Balmain in Paris also supplied his models to Jean Allen designer House in London.
Condition
Generally excellent vintage condition.
The gold stripes have some cracks when viewed up close but don't detract from the overall presentation. The inside of the bodice has been altered - I think to remove the metal boning but they are still there at the sides.
Please note that these are vintage items that have been used and loved over the years, As such, they may display slight evidence of their age. Any notable flaws above and beyond this will be highlighted here.
Comment
Eye-catching dress with a stunning silhouette. Please drop us a line if you require additional information about this listing.
Shop Policies
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Availability
This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologise in advance should this rare circumstance arise.
Postage
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LayBys/Layaways
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Alterations
Obviously, as these are one-off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.
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Photography
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