Norman Norell was known to say that the interior of a dress was the most important part of the dress. His inner seams were cut two inches or deeper. He went to great lengths to create couture like quality in his designs and this meticulous approach to his work stands up to time. Norell pieces are works of art and examples of how to properly construct a garment. Norell launched his independent label in June 1960 after a successful partnership with Anthony Traina under the Traina-Norell label. His trademark was simple but elegant clothing and he was a roaring success. This is a stunning example of his work and the dress is immaculate. It was sourced from the same woman who the Sarmi dresses I am posting today came from and it’s twin walked the runway for the Fall 1966 show.
Norman Norell dresses were not only extremely chic and sophisticated, they are also cut with exception mastery. Every line and seam is placed exactly where it should be to flatter the body and create an air of sophistication. This dress is a fabulous example of that and the lines of it are amazing. It is a chic silk crepe sheath and the lines that it is made up from and cut with have a long and sleek feel. The neckline is high and curves and wraps around the neck. I have photoed how the collar is set in so that it dips into a angled seam at the back. This subtle little detail is just beautiful and shows just how much he paid attention to the smallest details. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve widens out at it nears the hem and is finished with an extra wide cuff made out of a natural mink. The waist is open and easy. The dress falls in a sleek column that gently widens out as is nears the floor. At the hem there is another wide band of mink wrapped all the way around. This anchors the design and also is set so that it holds the shape of the dress so that you get that beautiful line that you see. Don't be fooled by it's simplicity - it is seamed and constructed to couture levels and the finishes within it are superb. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a fine ivory silk and closes at the back with a hand set painted metal zipper. Hand finished throughout and made to demi-couture standards.
Shoulders: 14.5"
Sleeves: 23"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3608
Reference photo: Fall 1966 Norman Norell
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs and fur trimmed pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. Fur pieces are final sale.