1950s French Couture Silk Brocade Dress and Jacket Suit

This 1950s silk brocade two piece couture dress set has a stunning paisley pattern in pink and gold threads. The dress features a scalloped edge trim to the top of the bodice and three sets of darts leading down from the bust to nip in the waist, creating the classic '50s fitted shape. The skirt has two pockets, both silk lined and pleasantly deep for what you might expect of a vintage piece. The interior of the dress is also lined in champagne silk, which soft to the touch. The boning to the front of the bodice is beautifully intact, providing shape and structure to the bust area. The brocade fabric is lovely and thick, with a real quality feel to it. Based on the fact that the dress is entirely handmade and the fabric is identical to that used in Balmain's 1954 collection (pictured), we are willing to attribute this piece to Pierre Balmain.

The jacket, though unlined, is made up of the same fabric, and is cropped slightly in both length and on the arms, as was typical of many dress jackets of the era to emphasise the waist and allow the wearer to show off bracelet jewellery. It has a simple rounded edge collar and a straight seam running down the back.  Both the dress and the jacket are in very good vintage condition with no issues and are unlabelled French couture. At some point the dress has been let out along the side seams but it has been done very well and is only noticeable on close inspection. It looks as though there may have been a lining in the jacket as the dress is lined is silk, and the jacket is unlined. You can see the rough workings inside the jacket, especially when compared to the stunning lined interior of the dress. The suit would best fit up to a size 8 UK, or 4 US. It would make a wonderful alternative wedding outfit or for a special occasion piece. Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm) and this dress was a good fit on the waist but roomy on her bust, we pinned the dress. 

MEASUREMENTS:

DRESS:

BUST: 32 in. ( 81.28 cm )
WAIST: 26 in. ( 66.04 cm )
HIP: 38 in. ( 96.52 cm )
LENGTH: 35 in. ( 88.9 cm )

JACKET:

BUST: 40 in. ( 101.6 cm )
WAIST: 38 in. ( 96.52 cm )
HIP: 38 in. ( 96.52 cm ) 
LENGTH: 20 in. ( 50.8 cm )