Lila.
CEIL CHAPMAN | 1950s Black Cocktail Dress
CEIL CHAPMAN | 1950s Black Cocktail Dress
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An elegant and rare 1950s Ceil Chapman dress in black silk satin. Beautifully tailored with a fitted bodice and slim skirt with a panel feature, the dress has an asymmetric collar and a velvet bow with velvet deep turned cuffs and three quarter length sleeves.
Theres a side zip fastening and asymmetrical button fastening at the back.
A wonderfully sophisticated example of Ceil Chapman’s mid-century evening wear and a very special piece for a collector of vintage American fashion.
Size: UK 8
Length: 43"
Inside sleeve: 12"
Bust: Pit to pit: 18"
Collar to waist: 17"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 36"
Condition: Excellent vintage condition! The dress was professionally altered at the bust to fit a smaller size. Its best for a small bust.
About the designer:
The earliest Chapman label, ‘A Chapman Original’, endured for around three or four years until it gave way to the simple black on white, or white on black ‘Ceil Chapman’, which endured until a needle and thread was incorporated into the logo in the late 1950s to early 1960s.
Ceil is often said to be Marilyn Monroe’s favourite designer and although this may be rather a sweeping statement the star did indeed wear some Chapman designs, as did a variety of other stars such as Deborah Kerr, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mamie van Doren.
Ceil designed for the movies and television and specialised in cocktail and more formal evening wear. Although her clothes were not cheap she did manage to make them affordable to many and her label could be found in department stores and boutiques. Favourite fabrics included silk, taffeta, jersey, chiffon, cotton and metallic brocades often embellished with beads, lace and sequins.
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VINTAGE RETURNS
All items sold by Lila. are vintage and second-hand, and because every piece is one-of-a-kind, we generally don't offer returns or refunds, but we always want you to love what you receive!
We take detailed measurements and photographs of every item and describe any signs of wear or imperfections as honestly as possible, so please do read listings carefully before purchasing.
If something isn't right, for example, if the size, measurements, or condition don't match the listing, please get in touch within 48 hours of receiving your order with a few photos and we'll do our best to sort it out.
We handle every situation on a case-by-case basis. If you're not happy, we'd much rather find a solution than leave you disappointed. As long as the item is returned promptly and in the same condition it was sent.
Thank you for shopping sustainably with Lila.
All international sales outside of the UK are FINAL. please choose carefully. Please email us at lilavintagelondon@gmail.com with any questions prior to purchase and we are more than happy to help!
Shipping charges are non-refundable.
Because great care is taken to provide accurate measurements on each garment, returns due to poor fit are not accepted.
To ensure your item is well suited for you, please double-check and compare the listing size and your own size to get the best fit. If you are unsure and have a question about the size or appearance of an item, contact me and I will gladly send you more pictures or take additional measurements. It is important that you love your Lila purchase!
✩ SIZING INFORMATION ✩
Vintage clothing fits differently than modern clothing and is cut much closer to the body than you may be used to. For this reason, it is important that you allow enough wearing ease to move comfortably while wearing your vintage garment. Vintage garments should always be worn with care and consideration of their age.
✩ MEASURING YOURSELF ✩
Use a dressmaker’s tape measure, which you can get at your local fabric store. Measure yourself over the undergarments you plan to wear & not over your clothing.
BUST: measure over the fullest part of your bust while wearing a bra.
UNDER BUST: measure around the fullest part of your ribcage, about midway between your bust and waist.
WAIST: measure around the smallest point of your waist where it naturally curves in.
HIP: measure around the fullest part of your hips. This is usually about 8"-9" below your waist.
SHOULDER TO WAIST: Measure from the top of your shoulder, where a normal shoulder seam would lie, down the front, following the curve of your bust.
LENGTH: measure from the top of your shoulder, where a normal shoulder seam would lie, down the front, to the point you want the garment to end at the hem.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please send a message before purchasing.