1960s Norman Hartnell Couture Gold Sequinned and Beaded Dress

This very fine 1960s column dress is by the British designer Norman Hartnell and made to the same standard as French Haute Couture. This dress features his late 50s to early 60s couture label. Exceptional in every way and entirely covered in clear iridescent sequins on a medium weight crepe silk fabric in cream. The dress has a gentle V shaped neckline, caplet sleeves and a side kick pleat in the skirt. The bodice is overlaid with an additional sleeveless bodice with a keyhole opening that has been joined along the shoulder hem. All the dress edges are trimmed in an elaborate embellished arrangement of gold and silver beads, aurora borealis prong set diamantes and pearls. This lavish adornment together with the layers of finely made fabrics give the dress a pleasing weight.

The dress has two back zips, one for the column dress and an additional zip that fastens up the bodice. The dress is beautifully lined in a cream-coloured silk and it is virtually all hand finished. Absolutely museum quality vintage condition with no issues. Can be worn on the red carpet or for a special event. This dress was couture made for a client and the measurements suggest a best fit for around a UK 8-10 or US 2 -4.

Note on designer:

Normal Hartnell was one of the most outstanding couturiers of his time and greatly admired by fellow designer Christian Dior. Hartnell made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, her coronation gown in 1952 and dressed numerous members of the royal family, aristocracy, film stars and socialite's from the 1920s until his death in 1979. The House closed his doors in the early 1990s with the final head designer being Marc Bohan.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Waist - 29 in. (73.7 cm)
Hip - 34 in. (86.4 cm)
Length - 56.5 in. (143.5 cm)
Shoulders - 18 in. (45.7 cm)