This colour-block red silk cocktail dress was manufactured in America in the mid-1950s. The off-the-shoulder tailoring adds a playfully sensuous detail, whilst the cap-sleeves, cinched waist and pleated full skirt are trademarks of the era. The taffeta crimson silk has a lovely thick texture and supports the structured style of the dress. The flamboyant bow and collared neckline give way to ruched fabric at the waist. Lined in silk organza and closes with a hidden central zip to the rear. Although unlabelled, the dress is excellent quality and probably made for a high-end US department store. Photographed and modelled without under skirts but these could be added for a more dramatic effect.

The dress presents very well and is in good to very good vintage condition overall. It has a very faint water mark on the rear left side seam and two on the front. A small silk graze on the underside of a pleat, some very minor letting out of the underarm seams and evidence of later machine overlocking on a handful of edges internally in the bust area. The left-hand underarm seam has been re-enforced but its been done well by our couture seamstress. These issues are minor in nature for a dress that is now around 70 years old and none of these can be noticed when worn. She is strong and wearable and our model is a UK 6-8, US 2-4 and 5ft 4in (163cm). This dress fit her well.

MEASUREMENTS

Bust - 32 in. (86 cm)

Waist - 24 in. (91 cm)

Hip - 40 in. (102 cm)

Length - 40 in. (142 cm)