Ceil Chapman Evening Dresses and Gowns

This is a brilliant example of Ceil Chapman's early work from the late 1940s to early 1950s and the black taffeta silk design is exquisite. Its the first thing you notice about this dress which has the most unusual construction. The skirt's textured element from a distance looks like a floral design but its actually a large number of circular pleated stitched designs. The way the fabric is pulled and stitched creates an almost 3D effect. We have never seen this work before but it would have taken a very skilled seamstress and an incredible amount of time to do it. The dress style is a classic shirtwaister design with three taffeta covered buttons to fasten the bodice which is beautifully shaped and Princess seamed. The sleeves are three quarter length and feature a folded cuff...

This early 1950s Ceil Chapman taffeta and silk dress is a timeless and elegant party dress. It has a fitted ruched bodice, cut from soft black silk jersey, which hugs the body beautifully to create a feminine shape. The ruching is sewn in two vertical lines down the front of the dress and is also shaped around the bust. The skirt flares out from the bodice at around the low hip point and is made up of black taffeta which is pleated to create volume and movement. The material has a lovely thick, quality feel to it. The dress fastens down the back with the original metal zipper which is finished with a hook and eye closure to the top. Ceil Chapman was famously the favourite designer of Marilyn Monroe, and was renowned all over the world for creating glamorous cocktail dresses and party gowns...

Great little black dress from American designer Ceil Chapman. Featuring pretty cross over and ruching detail to the front and a sexy low neckline to the back this is the perfect par...