1 of 5

1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Long Sleeve Wiggle Dress

$560List Price

About the Item

Bombshell and elegant 1950's Mr. Blackwell black crepe wiggle style dress with shawl collar and long sleeves. A bow at center front neck adds a subtle feminine touch to the dress. Back zipper with a hook-and-eye closure. Perfect for almost any occasion! Modern size 2 Wrist measurement 7 3/4 inches Hem can be lengthened 2 1/2 inches *All garments and accessories have been professionally cleaned and thoroughly checked before shipping. They are ready to enjoy upon arrival! Born Richard Sylvan Selzer to a poor second generation Jewish Russian Family in Brooklyn, Richard Blackwell had a very difficult childhood. He saw a way out of poverty and abuse in 1936, after he was cast as Tommy, in the 1936 production of Sidney Kingsley’s “Dead End.” Blackwell moved to the West Coast and studied acting alongside Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, and began working as a messenger at Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, California. Blackwell was signed to RKO Pictures by Howard Hughes, changing his name from “Richard Selzer” to the more widely marketable “Richard Blackwell”. In 1958, after discovering his talent for design while making commissioned costumes for the stage, Blackwell turned to fashion. Upon the launch of his clothing line, Richard Blackwell adopted the Mr. Blackwell name, which corresponded to the luxurious tone set by his “House of Blackwell” label. Blackwell specialized in elegant, formfitting dresses in stylish prints and luxurious fabrics, which often sold for between $800 and $1,000. Blackwell was the first designer to offer a line available to plus-sized women, and was also the first designer to present his work on a television broadcast. Blackwell also claimed he was the first designer to offer designer jeans for women. Shortly after producing his label, Blackwell’s success skyrocketed, and he quickly became known for his beautiful designs and discerning eye. Blackwell had become an authority on taste, and in 1960 was asked to write an article for the American Weekly Magazine detailing the "10 Best and Worst Dressed" people. Blackwell’s quick wit, sharp tongue, and acerbic comments, found a permanent, loving home in fashion journalism, and Blackwell established himself as America’s number 1, and most beloved fashion critic, establishing the first ever annual “Worst-Dressed List.” The list ran from 1960s up until Blackwell’s death in 2008.

Designer:
Richard Selzer
Dimensions:
Bust: 35 in (88.9 cm)Waist: 27 in (68.58 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 37.75 in (95.89 cm)
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1950-1959
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. There are a very few faint spots to note for light staining. Picture Shown.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1032948202

2010s Italian Aesthetic Day Dresses

Marni Textured Zipper Front Dress Coat

$750

Size: 42

Hermes Leather Trim Cotton Tunic

By Hermès

Located in Oakland, CA

This is an Hermes cotton tunic top with lambskin leather trim, with two side hand pockets. I believe this is relatively recent. As always with Hermes, th...

Category

2010s French Tunics and Wrap Dresses

Hermes Leather Trim Cotton Tunic

$500

Size: 34

Akris Navy Silk Sleeveless Midi Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Akris midi sleeveless dress is a versatile and elegant wardrobe staple. Crafted from luxurious 100% silk, it drapes beautifully in a classic Navy shade, complemented by a subtle nude underlay. The detailing around the collar adds a refined touch to the overall design. With its midi length, this dress effortlessly transitions from day to night, offering both style and comfort. Available in size US 10, it ensures a flattering fit for a timeless and sophisticated look. Embrace the simplicity and chic appeal of this Akris dress...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Informal Dresses

Akris Navy Silk Sleeveless Midi Dress

$550

Size: 10

Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren grey smock dress, ss 1983

By Vivienne Westwood, Worlds End

Located in London, GB

▪ A rare Worlds End grey cotton smock dress ▪ Designed by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren ▪ Tain panel at the front skirt which can be worn as a shawl ▪ Drawstring neckline ...

Category

1980s English Day Dresses

Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren grey smock dress, ss 1983

$15,701

Size: One Size

Rare Comme des Garcons 2011 Dimensional 3-Way Dress New!

By Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Spring 2011 CDG collection by Rei Kawakubo where she rearranged or appeared to turn clothes upside down. The dress being presented is made in 3 identically styled attached dresses: b...

Category

2010s Aesthetic Day Dresses

Rare Comme des Garcons 2011 Dimensional 3-Way Dress New!

$6,200

Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheath w/3 Wrap Belts Bustle Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Christian Dior by John Galliano tailored black wool dress inspired by 1950's Christian Dior Haute Couture fashion. Beautifully designed featuring fitted sheath style dress with drap...

Category

Early 2000s Sheath Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheath w/3 Wrap Belts Bustle Dress

$2,800

Sacai Luck Black Floral Lace Button- Down Shirt Wrap Mini Dress Size 3

By Sacai Luck

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Sacai Luck Black Floral Lace Button- Down Shirt Wrap Mini Dress Size 3 Product details: Size 3 Button- down top with collar and side pocket detail Short sleeves Featuring adjustable...

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Mini Dresses

Sacai Luck Black Floral Lace Button- Down Shirt Wrap Mini Dress Size 3

$850

Size: 3

BRIONI BROWN KNIT DRESS

Located in Alford, MA

Brioni silky knit dress is lightweight, packable and easy to wear. The dress features a double cowl collar neck in front and single in back and is a basic shift, with shaping darts f...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses

BRIONI BROWN KNIT DRESS

$285

Size: 50

Proenza Schouler Black Wool Mini Coat Dress w/ Buttons Size 4

By Proenza Schouler

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Proenza Schouler Black Wool Mini Dress w/ Buttons Size 4 Product details: Size 4 100% wool Long sleeves Mini length Featuring eight front buttons closure and four buttons on the bo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini Dresses

Proenza Schouler Black Wool Mini Coat Dress w/ Buttons Size 4

$490

Size: 4

BLACK WOOL JERSEY DRESS W/FOX CUFFS

Located in Alford, MA

1960s dress features a flattering sweetheart neckline and long narrow sleeves trimmed with dark brown fox. The shaping is empire in front and darts in back. Three self buttons at cle...

Category