1950s Black Tulle and Sequin Strapless Dress with Silver Floral Design

This original 1950s strapless cocktail dress has a quintessential party dress silhouette and reflects the decade’s celebration of feminine glamour. With a sculpted, boned bustier bodice and sweetheart neckline, it falls into a full flared skirt that sits below the knee. Made from layers of black tulle over a smooth black underskirt, the dress is richly embellished with black sequins; densely clustered across the bodice, then scattered in sinuous, swirling patterns over the skirt. Around the neckline, iridescent silver sequins form delicate floral motifs, echoed at the hem where larger silver flowers trail into rippling vines and leaves. The skirt is lined with two additional layers of black tulle for volume, over the satin petticoat, that gives the silhouette its soft fullness. Fastens under the left arm with a concealed black zip.

This dress is in very good to excellent vintage condition, with no flaws to the sequin work or tulle. There is a patch of very slight grazing to the satin petticoat and a few light, water marks which are of course, unseen when worn. There is evidence that a white calico underskirt was attached to the skirt for extra fullness and you may wish to wear a modern black replacement petticoat. No labels remain in the dress but this was likely made for a high-end department store as the workmanship is excellent. Please check our measurements below as the fabric has no stretch. Our model's sizes are: Bust: 34" (87cm), Waist 24" (61cm), Hips: 34.5" (88cm), Height 5' 7" (170cm) and she's a size UK 6, US 2. This was a bit big on her and so the dress will fit up to a UK 10 or US 6 with a smaller waist. There is plenty of give in the hip.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 32 in. (81 cm)

WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)

HIP - 48 in. (122 cm)

LENGTH - 36.5 in. (93 cm)