Norman Norell pleated silk chiffon dress with scarf
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Norman Norell pleated silk chiffon dress with scarf
About the Item
Matching belt not shown
Bust 38"
Waist 29"
Hips 42"
Sleeves 23"
Length 39"
The Norell collection of Beverly Bettner
This remarkable collection of over 150 ensembles by Norman Norell reflect both the unerring tailoring of Norell, but also the curatorial eye of a great collector.
Beverley Blettner has long been one of Chicago’s style icons, and major philanthropist’s.
The collection dates from the late 50’s through his final collection, Resort 1972.
Norman Norell learned his tailoring at the side of Hattie Carnegie, who he accompanied on her Paris Buying trips, beginning in the 1930’s.
With his superb precision tailoring, Norell’s genius lies in what to leave off.
Strict simplicity with laser focused tailoring, and simple embellishments where his signature.
Bold buttons, belts and scarves gave his creations their DNA.
With luxurious fabrics sourced from the finest mills in Europe, and mastery of his craft, Norell elevated American Ready to wear to the level of French Couture.
His clothing was a bridge from the Couture to the RTW.
All of the signature hallmarks of Norell are spotlighted in this collection; bold buttons, bright colors, sheath dresses. Military coats and jackets, multi piece suiting, matching belts, awning stripes, pussycat bows, and Nautical & Sailor themes.
The clever use of buttons is one of Norell’s signatures, and all the buttons are working with hand finished buttonholes and hand tucked detailing.
The bold coloring in this collection is what Norell referred to as his ice cream palette.
Bold bright color of the 60’s and 70’s rendered with a clear and concise point of view that remained focused throughout his career.
This collection illustrates why well-dressed ladies coveted Norell. His fashion was amongst the most expensive in the US (one of his embellished evening looks sold for over $5000 in 1972), but his clients could wear it for years.
Many of these pieces where the showroom or runway samples.
He cut his samples to sz 8.
These feature the models names, and style numbers; many are from Denise Linden , Norell’s house model and muse for many years.
Please note, these Norell’s are on average fifty years old.
The weight of the fabric is a bit heavier than what is used today, and the armholes might be cut higher than today’s fashions.
Reinforcing the buttons would also be wise before wearing, they were sewn on a half century ago.
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 6 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk
- Condition:Great condition, layers of chiffon separating on belt.
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11081723463
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