The early little black jersey dresses that Ceil Chapman made on the late 40s and early 50s are some of the best examples of her work out there. This piece is seriously fabulous and quite sexy and I hope that girl that decides to make it hers truly will love and cherish it. These early Chapman pieces are very hard to come by and you can see the master draping techniques she employed in this piece. Made of a very early silk knit jersey the fabric is very fluid and drapes perfectly. The bodice is completely gathered in soft pleats held in place by the ruching down the sides. I love the off shoulder sleeves and the way that the back dips and drapes. It is very sexy! The rest of the dress is draped with an extra panel down the back. The skirt is caught up under the hem giving it a soft finished rather then the normal straight across finish. It is all cut on the bias so drapes perfectly on your body once on.  It does not have its Ceil Chapman label but it is absolutely a Chapman. Just a really extraordinary piece that is highly collectible and in excellent condition.

Fully lined in a combination of black silk and jersey that properly weighs it and holds the proper shape inside. It closes with a back painted metal zipper set mid-back. There is one teeny tiny run in the fabric on the skirt  but it is on the side near the hip and not apparent when on the body but you do see  it when the dress is lying flat so it is mentioned for accuracy.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 29.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2233

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.