Voguepedia says of Gilbert Adrian: "In the hands of the legendary Hollywood designer Gilbert Adrian, clothes could do and say magical things. From the flower-festooned munchkin costumes in The Wizard of Oz to the elegance-defining “Gowns by Adrian” worn by screen stars like Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck, and Joan Crawford—and copied by the hundreds of thousands for the humbler masses—Adrian was the definition of cinematic invention for more than a decade.....Adrian’s signature custom-retail label, founded in 1942, was wildly popular. His gowns bore distinctive names like “Dinner with a Dash of Gold” and “Shades of Picasso,” and he catered to an elite set of style mavens in Hollywood."

This black crepe dress is a fine and early example of Adrian's work. It really show his flare for the dramatic. The dress is made of an early silk moss crepe so has a wonderful drape and hang to it. It is seamed to perfection - I love the little curved seams that sit on the side of the skirt in particular! The skirt is long and lean with an additional panel cut on the angle over the inner layer. The waist is defined with a peaked banding.  The shoulders are cut to site loose and soft. It is of course that dramatic neckline that is the star of the dress with its deep open angled cut and soft draping panel above that. A very sexy and rare forties dress from a hard to find designer.

Unlined and closes at the back with the series of three set jet faceted buttons as seen. Below that is a series of hidden hook and eye at the waist and below that is a painted metal zipper. There is a touch of "seaming" lines due to over pressing at some point in its history but its minor and I am just being accurate. Considering its age and rarity this is entirely forgiveable

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open and to approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 19" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2277

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.