50s Cocktail Dress Vintage Jerry Parnis Milgrim Illusion Lace Small to Medium VFG

$ 145.00 Sale Save

This gorgeous 1950s designer vintage cocktail dress is so alluring, covered up while suggesting a wilder side! The bodice has cap sleeves and is fitted, with underbust seaming that hugs the waist before flaring into a seven gore skirt. The bodice has an outer layer of illusion lace, very light and delicate looking, in an unusual pattern that reminds me of graceful fronds. Underneath, a combination of black and Caucasian nude, cut in such a way as to suggest a strapless bodice. The dress is shown with a crinoline underneath for inspiration - the crinoline is not included with purchase.

SIZE: No size label

Measurements

Inches

Cm

Bust

37"

94

Natural waist

26"

66

Hips

48"

122

Empire bodice length from shoulder seam

11"

28

Skirt length from empire waist

33"

83.75

Sweep

114.5"

293

FABRIC/COLORS: Lightweight black silk taffeta, black lace in a delicate frond weave backed with pale pink netting, and peachy pink taffeta under the lace and net. The dress is partially lined in black voile.

TAGS: Jerry Parnis, New York. The second label says Milgrim, a specialty fashion store in New York, owned by Sally Milgrim, who was the head designer.

CLOSURES: The dress closes with a metal zipper down the center back. The illusion lace section has a small button & loop at the neck and two sets of hooks & eyes below.

CONDITION: There is a small area on the right rear shoulder with a tiny hole in the black lace - see closeup. The netting underneath is intact - I think a former owner may have used an evening bag with a shoulder strap that rubbed a bit there. No other issues noted.

I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.

For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.

For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.

Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.

The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.

If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.