1940s Haute Couture Black Silk Dress

Superb French haute couture black silk dress and almost certainly made during or just after WWII - 1939-1947. It has a V-neck collar, with subtle notching, and fastens at the left hand side with a column of six poppers and two hook and eyes at the belt. A shirtwaister style, the front features five fully functioning buttons, three-quarter length sleeves and delicate, horizontal pleating running across the bodice and below the waist, down to the hip. The skirt flares out into classic vertical pleating to the hem, creating a lovely sense of volume and movement to the overall piece. Although it doesn't have a label, its a superb quality made piece and an increasingly rare and elevated design example from this period.

The dress is in remarkable vintage condition, especially for a garment of its age and fabric with no faults or alterations noted. Due to its narrow waist size, it would best fit a size 8-10 UK, or 4-6 US. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in (163 cm) and this dress was roomy on her. 

MEASUREMENTS:

Bust - 36 in. ( 91.4 cm )
Waist - 26 in. ( 66 cm )
Hip - 44 in. ( 111.8 cm )
Length - 40 in. ( 101.6 cm )
Shoulders - 17 in. ( 43.2 cm )