👋 A B O U T

An absolutely gorgeous late 40's early 50's black silk velvet evening dress with a lace-framed neckline, by another one of my favorite New York 7th Avenue designers. The front features a wide, softly folded portrait collar that sits off the shoulders, with scalloped black floral lace over illusion net rising at each side. The back is the surprise: a deep, plunging V of the same lace, finished with a small velvet bow at the point. A nipped waist and fitted skirt follow, and the hem sweeps out gently at the back for movement. The velvet is deep, dense and inky, the kind that swallows the light. Zips up the side with original metal zipper. In excellent condition, freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear. 

About the Designer

Nettie Rosenstein (1890–1980) was born in Salzburg and became one of America's most important designers of the little black dress. She began with a small home-based dressmaking business after marrying Saul Rosenstein, and by 1919 I. Magnin had asked to carry her work. Her clothes were then retailed around America, but only one store in each city was allowed to carry her label. That exclusivity is the context for the "Styles Exclusive with I. Magnin & Co. Shops" label on this dress.

She pared back the simple black dresses Vionnet and Chanel were making in Paris, saying that what you leave off a dress is what makes it smart. Bill Blass said she "practically invented the little black dress for Americans." She won a Lord & Taylor design award in 1938 and the Coty Award in 1947. Her firm was commissioned by Neiman Marcus to design Mamie Eisenhower's 1953 Inaugural Ball gown. Her sister-in-law, Eva Rosencrans, served as her associate and head designer, and was increasingly credited for the label's designs from the late 1950s. Rosenstein stepped back from the dress business in 1961 but kept overseeing her accessories and perfume lines. She was also known for fine costume jewelry, and her work is now in museum collections.

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✂️ M E A S U R E M E N T S

Bust: up to 40"/ Shoulder to waist: 16"

Waist: up to 28"

Hips: up to 44"

Length: 48"

Fits like a medium

Label: Nettie Rosenstein 

Material: silk velvet, lace
Condition: overall excellent, freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear. Minor signs of wear typical of age. 

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. We ship our items out on Thursdays. Please allow extra time for wedding dresses and large orders. 

*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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