1950s Norman Hartnell Haute Couture Black Lace and Sequin Dress

This very fine 1950s evening dress is by the British couturier Norman Hartnell and made to the same standard as French Haute Couture. This dress features his late ‘50s to early ‘60s pistachio green couture label. It is tailored to a classic 1950s silhouette, with a tight, fitted bodice and full-skirt. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline and is supported by delicate, beaded spaghetti straps. The dress is crafted from black silk-satin adorned all-over with panels of black floral lace. The lace is tightly pleated over the bust and down the skirt. Norman Hartnell’s exceptional eye-for-detail is revealed up-close in the sequin work that adorns the whole dress; rectangular black sequins follow the folds of the lace in neat lines, broken up by circular sequins. They also finish the waistband and the shoulder straps. This lavish adornment together with the layers of finely made fabrics give the dress a pleasing weight. The dress fastens under the left arm with a hidden tonal black zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The dress is lined top to bottom in black silk-satin with most of the dress seamed and finished.

In truly excellent vintage condition with no issues, ready to be worn on the red carpet or for a special event. Couture dresses are made to measure and we suggest a best fit for around a UK 8-10, US 4-6 and it could be altered to fit.

Note on designer: Normal Hartnell was one of the most outstanding couturiers of his time and greatly admired by fellow designer Christian Dior. Hartnell made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, her coronation gown in 1952 and dressed numerous members of the royal family, aristocracy, film stars and socialite's from the 1920s until his death in 1979. The House closed his doors in the early 1990s with the final head designer being Marc Bohan.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 42 in. (107 cm)