1940s Claire McCardell by Townley Navy Circle Print Dress

A very elegant mid to late 1940s Claire McCardell circle print dress, with V shaped back and front neckline. Made from a soft navy silk, featuring a repeat circle motif in ochre and cream, this dress stands out as a classic post war design piece with a contemporary flair. The sleeve fabric is gathered at the shoulder seam and falls to the waistband, creating a soft, flowing feel to the garment's construction. The bust area is also gathered in the centre to accentuate the silhouette of the wearer, which flares out at the hip in a flattering A-line shape. Although unlined, the skirt is opaque and has enough folds to create volume. In excellent vintage condition with no faults of any note and will fit up to a size 10 UK or 6 US. Of note, the arm holes are slight in this dress so it would suit slender arms, that said, a notch could easily be cut to widen the hole.

Note on Designer:

Claire McCardell was born in 1905 and travelled to Paris in her early twenties to seek design inspiration from Europe. She began working with Robert Turk at Townley Frocks in 1931, and after his death a year later, she became chief designer for the company. McCardell's work truly thrived with the onset of World War 2, which saw her use readily available materials such as jersey, denim and calico in her designs. Her command of simple, versatile silhouettes makes her garments a wonderful addition to the collectors' wardrobe of notable American designers.

MEASUREMENTS:
BUST: 36 in ( 91.44 cm )
WAIST: 27 in. ( 68.58 cm )
HIP: 42 in. ( 106.68 cm )
SHOULDER: 17 in. ( 43.18 cm )
LENGTH: 44 in. ( 111.76 cm )