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1950s Ceil Chapman Architectural Sculpted Ruched Chevron Cocktail Dress
$1,825
£1,377.82
€1,580.63
CA$2,547.60
A$2,774.10
CHF 1,467.64
MX$33,454.55
NOK 18,673.45
SEK 17,071.46
DKK 11,804.80
About the Item
This exquisite 1950s Ceil Chapman black cocktail dress is a rare, architecturally constructed example from one of America’s most important mid-century designers. Chapman—celebrated for dressing Hollywood icons, most famously Marilyn Monroe—built her reputation on masterful draping and engineered silhouettes that sculpted the body with couture-level precision.
Here, Chapman works in lustrous black silk taffeta, meticulously ruched and pieced into chevron-shaped panels that contour the torso and create her signature hourglass illusion. The soft portrait neckline and ruched short sleeves balance the dramatic bodice, while the paneled full skirt moves with cinematic sweep. Internally, the dress reveals Chapman’s finest craftsmanship: hand-finished seams, internal bodice structure, and expert pattern engineering found in museum holdings such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, LACMA, and the Museum of the City of New York.
This is a museum-worthy Chapman, distinguished by its technical complexity and sculptural draping—far rarer than the simpler, mass-produced silhouettes often seen on the market. An iconic piece of mid-century American glamour, and an essential for collectors of Hollywood-era couture.
Authentic vintage Ceil Chapman, sourced thoughtfully and verified by RERACKED. Pieces like this don’t come around often — and they don’t stay long.
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Condition
Very good vintage condition. Minor wear consistent with age; structurally strong and presents beautifully. Sun bleaching at shoulders
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Details
• Designer / Era: Ceil Chapman, 1950s
• Fabric: Black silk taffeta with directional ruching
• Construction Features:
• Chevron-paneled ruching
• Sculpted inner bodice structure
• Soft portrait neckline
• Full paneled skirt
• Ruched short sleeves
• Closures: Metal side zipper; internal stays
• Color: Black
• Label: Ceil Chapman
• Accessories: None
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 46 in (116.84 cm)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 27 in (68.58 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Taffeta with diagonal corded chevron stitching; lined bodice with soft inner paneling and full crinoline-backed skirt; slight shoulder discoloration.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Kingston, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4356228106392
About the Seller
5.0
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1stDibs seller since 2025
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Kingston, NY
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