A B O U T

An exquisite example of midcentury haute couture craftsmanship, this 1950s black Chantilly lace evening dress epitomizes the elegance and refinement of the decade’s most celebrated designers. Constructed entirely of fine floral lace, the gown features a sculpted bodice with a deep illusion neckline and a row of self-covered buttons descending from bust to waist—an unmistakable hallmark of couture-level hand finishing.

The lace itself is of exceptional quality: a delicate yet dimensional French Chantilly with scalloped floral motifs and intricate cording, softly tiered to create a weightless, floating effect through the skirt. The workmanship is extraordinary, with every seam and layer meticulously balanced to preserve the transparency and drape of the lace. A narrow grosgrain waist cincher inside ensures structure and fit—another detail typical of Parisian ateliers of the period.

The dress fastens at the waist and back with a metal zipper, confirming its 1950s origin and couture-level construction. Beneath the layers of lace, the silhouette evokes Dior’s New Look—nipped at the waist with a full, feminine skirt designed to move fluidly around the body. The romantic transparency recalls the evening creations of Jean Dessès, Maggy Rouff, and Jacques Fath, while the precision of its structure and hand-finished closures align closely with the work of Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy.

A breathtaking piece of vintage couture artistry, this gown would have been made for a woman of considerable taste and means—a true soirée dress of the highest order. In overall excellent condition with minor signs of wear. Freshly cleaned and ready to wear. 

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

Bust: up to 36"

Waist: up to 26.5"

Hips: open 

Total Length: 47"

Fits like a small medium

Label: none, custom couture
Material: silk, lace

Condition: excellent, freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear. Minor signs of wear typical of age. A few tiny breaks in the lace. Wears and presents beautifully. Fully restored to the best of our ability. 

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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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