1940s Gilbert Adrian Black Rayon Crepe Gown | S/M

era: early 1940s

approx. modern size: up to a small/medium, could work for small + tall xsmall as well. model is 5'9" 33"/24"/35".

shoulders: na, dolman sleeve style with no seams
bust: approx. 38"
waist: 28"
hip: 38", allow for some ease
total length: 55" 

elegant column gown with expertly draped and seamed surplice bodice with dolman sleeves and dramatic shoulder padding, the left sleeve draping ever-so slightly more over the arm, mimicking the deconstructed peplum that secures at the right hip, encircles the skirt, and drapes freely down the left hip. fastens at the left side with a metal talon bell-pull zipper, a hook-and-eye, and a snap placket.

labels: Adrian Original 

provenance: Acquired in the 1980s from the estate of a Georgia socialite, and maintained in one collection since that time.

condition: excellent. fresh, sturdy, free of staining or odors. I noted a few minor scattered pulls to the crepe on the bodice, see image, and some minor wear to the snap placket, including a few snaps loosening. see image. I am opting to leave them as-is for the future owner to address as they see fit. 

American designer Gilbert Adrian ( born Adrian Adolph Greenburg,1903-1959) first established himself as a costume designer for hundreds of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films from 1928-1941, creating striking -and at times surrealist and avant garde- garments including, perhaps most famously, the costumes for The Wizard of Oz. Known especially for his evening wear designs, Adrian worked with the biggest female stars of the day: Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, and Katherine Hepburn (including for one of my personal favorite movies: The Philadelphia Story). After a prolific career in Hollywood, he began designing for his own label in 1941. As a successful designer in the 1940s, Adrian proudly helped to build the reputation of American fashion during that decade.  Adrian celebrated simple, American-made fabrics in his designs. This gown captures much of what defined Adrian's designs of the 40s:  a marriage of construction and silhouette with proportions, asymmetrical or deconstructed elements, and dolman sleeves; a special touch of glamour and a unique sense of style.

(text adapted from adrianoriginal.com, www.metmuseum.org, and wikipedia.org)

PLEASE NOTE: this item is not eligible for returns, or discount codes please feel free to reach out with any questions prior to purchase. this item is not eligible for layaway, but Klarna and ShopPay are both available at checkout. 

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