A B O U T

Ceil Chapman Black Velvet and Ivory Satin Cocktail Dress, 1950s

A timeless example of mid-century sophistication by celebrated American designer Ceil Chapman, this 1950s cocktail dress embodies the elegance and allure that defined her work.Expertly constructed in black silk velvet, the dress is sculpted to the body with Chapman’s signature precision tailoring. The boned bodice features a softly draped ivory satin neckline, artfully pleated to frame the shoulders and décolletage in graceful folds. The contrast of luminous satin against the rich depth of velvet creates a striking, classic silhouette—both romantic and impeccably refined.

The dress fastens with a metal zipper up the back and includes an interior grosgrain waist stay, a hallmark of Chapman’s couture-level construction. A matching cropped velvet bolero jacket completes the ensemble, offering a demure yet dramatic finishing touch.

Ceil Chapman was renowned for designing figure-flattering dresses for Hollywood’s leading ladies—including Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe—and her creations remain icons of 1950s glamour. This piece perfectly captures her gift for merging structure and softness in one unforgettable design.

M E A S U R E M E N T S *

Bust: up to 34”

Waist: up to 26”

Hips: up to 38”

Length from top of shoulder to hem: 42”

Fits like a small 

Label: Ceil Chapman 
Material: velvet, silk 

Condition: excellent, freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear. Minor signs of wear typical of age. 

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All of our pieces are thoroughly inspected and repaired by our in house professional seamstress prior to shipping to ensure your garment is in ready to wear condition upon arrival. 

*Please compare measurements to a garment you currently own to ensure proper fit! Please note: most of our pieces are clipped to fit our dress forms (bust: 34"; waist: 23").


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