1 9

1950s Ceil Chapman Black Taffeta and Ruched Silk Jersey Dress

£745.00
This early 1950s Ceil Chapman taffeta and silk dress is a timeless and elegant party dress. It has a fitted ruched bodice, cut from soft black silk jersey, which hugs the body beautifully to create a feminine shape. The ruching is sewn in two vertical lines down the front of the dress and is also shaped around the bust. The skirt flares out from the bodice at around the low hip point and is made up of black taffeta which is pleated to create volume and movement. The material has a lovely thick, quality feel to it. The dress fastens down the back with the original metal zipper which is finished with a hook and eye closure to the top.

Ceil Chapman was famously the favourite designer of Marilyn Monroe, and was renowned all over the world for creating glamorous cocktail dresses and party gowns. Some of her other famous clients included Aretha Franklin, Grace Kelly, and even Elizabeth Taylor - the biggest stars of the era. Many of her designs are now owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, coveted for their craftsmanship and classic 1950s tailoring.

The dress is in fabulous condition with no observable marks or faults. It would comfortably fit a UK 10-12, or US 6-8, as there is a little stretch in the material used for the bodice.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Waist - 30 in. (76.2 cm)
Hip - 37 in. (94 cm)
Length - 47.5 in. (120.7 cm)
Shoulders - 15 in. (38.1 cm)

Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE

Usually ready in 24 hours

F.A.Q.

Where can I find more information about this item?

We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about any item on our site. Please get in touch at shop@circavintage.com or on +44 (0)20 7365053.

Will you set anything aside for me for my appointment?

We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
Do you have a price range at the showroom?

Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
Can I bring anyone with me to my appointment?

Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I have my circa garment altered?

We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Does Circa have an after-care service?

We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?

You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the Circa showroom?

Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB

Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking at the Circa showroom?

We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get to the Circa showroom by public transport?

Underground:

Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines

Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line

Overground:

Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods does Circa accept?

Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal
What is archival fashion?


Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?

While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.