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Ceil Chapman Autumn/Winter 1948 Copper Satin Dress
This stunning and early Ceil Chapman dress is the epitome of 1940s style!
Photographed by Horst for Vogue in September 1948, the dress was originally described as a "compliment to copper hair: coppery rayon satin, new in a chin-high, low-backed evening line." Originally retailing for $110 in 1948, it would have cost roughly $1,200 in today's money!
As one of the most popular designers in the USA, Ceil Chapman was a pioneer as the head of a female-led, hugely successful brand. With some of her designs worn by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, Chapman was a big name in fashion. Known for her use of rich textiles and expert fabric manipulation, her creations had a real touch of luxury. This dress is a perfect example of that. Featuring an incredible and unusual high-low neckline, the silhouette of this dress feels very architectural. With over 6 metres of the beautiful rayon satin fabric in the hem alone, the dress epitomises post-war glamour.
Measurements
Waist: 70cm/27.5"
Bust: 90m/35.5"
Hips: 94cm/37"
Shoulder to Hem: 143cm/56.5"
Condition
Good. This dress has clearly been worn and loved by its original owner, and rightly so! Overall, the condition of this dress is good. The fabric still feels very supple and soft, and has retained the depth of its coppery colour. The dress displays several small signs of wear that don't impact the overall look and beauty of the piece. There are a few small snags across the body of the dress (see photos), as well as across the hem, which has multiple scuff and soil marks from being worn. The seams of this dress are all completely intact. Having been finished with pinking shears, most of the seams have frayed. However, none have frayed to the point where the seam could open. The grosgrain waistband shows some yellowing, and has lost its original hooks and eyes, which can easily be replaced. This dress has been worn and loved, and is ready to be re-loved by its new owner!
ABOUT OUR GARMENT BAGS
If you're looking for a viable storage option to help preserve your item, we've got you covered! As an optional extra when adding a piece to your cart, you can include an archival garment bag with your order. Our garment bags are provided by Atelier Nine, a London-based textile conservator. Made from Tyvek, an acid-free conservation grade material, and 100% recycled ribbons made from sea plastic and thread, these garment bags are a perfect and easy storage solution to keep your pieces protected!
REFUND & RETURNS POLICY
We always want you to be happy with your purchase! If, however, you wish to return your item we operate a 14 day returns policy for UK orders, subject to T&Cs. For more information, please read our full returns policy. If you have requested international postage please note that all international sales are final and we cannot accept any returns outside of the UK.
SHIPPING INFO
All UK orders will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm®. We aim to send off all our orders within 1-2 working days.
We currently ship within the United Kingdom, however if you live internationally and just have to have something, please feel free to get in touch and we'll see if we can work out an alternative shipping option! (Different terms and conditions will apply).