Grand creation by the ever-popular Ceil Chapman, of America. Ceil's creations are undoubtedly noted as, always, being figure-flattering, feminine, and elegant, with a touch of provocativeness! Thus, all these traits are exactly what she has brought fourth in this rare example.

 

Her marvelous works won the favouring of Marilyn Monroe—as she owned over half-a-dozen Ceil Chapman garments, most of which were sold at the famous 1999 Christie's New York sale, offering pieces owned by Monroe.

 

This dress is fashioned from black silk jersey, and is heavily constructed with tulle backing and finely gathered seams, all in efforts to create the whimsical cascading, draping as seen throughout the dress.

 

It's cut in the popular 'wiggle' manner, having a pencil-line skirt, and also a wide bateau-neckline. Featuring a heavily gathered bustle-effect back, which is comprised of tulle-backed jersey that's been applied to the waistline, and has been allowed to drape in its own manner, therefore creating the gorgeous, undulating effect.

 

The ingenous use of a heavy-weight material—jersey, and careful construction, has carried out the design of the dress within itself, and therefore the focus will be directed to the perfection of this!

 

It's fully backed with a second layer of the jersey fabric, and the bodice is also lined with tulle and boned for support, and it fastens at the back with a zipper, labelled "Ceil Chapman." A rare example for a Chapman enthusiast!

 

 

Measurements: Bust 36", Waist 28", Hips 39", length of 47".