Description
This beautifully constructed late 1950s or early 1960s cocktail dress in bright fuchsia pink silk taffeta was designed and manufactured by Seymour Jacobson. Beginning his clothing design career in the 1930s, Jacobson created lovely cocktail and party dresses for his various labels (Seymour Jacobson, Ltd., Donna Paula, and Luciana Moda), through at least the mid 1960s. Some famous women who wore his dresses include Hollywood stars like Grace Kelly and Rita Hayworth, and other notable customers, including Eleanor Roosevelt! This mid-century dress is a nice example of Jacobson’s design, featuring some intricate seaming shaping the bodice and skirt, and an unusual neckline. The double-layered bodice has a sleeveless under-layer with a sweetheart neckline that sits at the edge of the shoulder. The second, outer layer rests just off the shoulder when worn (this will better on a lady with a bit more generous bust than my mannequin), creating the look of cap sleeves from the front. This outer layer actually drapes over the tops of the shoulders to form a sort of mini-capelet, finishing with a large flat bow at the center back of the bodice. Hidden by the bow, the under-layer of bodice has a square neckline, above a back metal zipper. The outer layer of the bodice has small areas of mending at each side, below the underarms. This mending should not be very noticeable when the dress is worn. In very good condition, with no other issues to note, this exquisitely made late 1950s-60s cocktail or party dress is fully lined in fuchsia silk organza, and has a small strip of boning at the center front of the bodice to help it keep it sculptural shape
Size: S.
- Bust: 38 inches flat, measured at bodice under-layer, to fit approx. 37 to 38 max.
- Waist: 28.5 inches flat to fit up to 27.5.
- Hip: 38 inches flat, to fit 36 max.
- Length: 44 inches from shoulder to hem in front.
- Underarm to waist: approx. 8 inches (no seam).
- Waist to hem length: 29 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 14 inches (measured at bodice under-layer).
- Label: Seymour Jacobson
