This sophisticated, film-noir-style, late 1940s cocktail dress features extra large shoulder pads, short, puffed sleeves with side slits, a tiny faille collar trimming the high neckline, and a horizontal pleat defining the dropped waist seam, below the fitted waist. The skirt has an off-center draped panel at the right front, below the large bow at the right hip. Curved seams at the natural waist open up to provide a bit of room in the bust area. The dress fastens in back with metal zipper, and is unlined. The mid-weight, black rayon crepe has a lovely drape to it! The large bow combines black faille and aqua moire taffeta. The dress bears the label Martha Weathered, from the high-end Chicago shop of the same name, once located on Michigan Avenue. This lovely late 1940s dress is quite small, so please check the measurements carefully, especially the tiny sleeve openings. In excellent condition, the only issue with the dress is some fraying to the ends of the bow.

Size: XS
Bust: 34" flat, to fit approx. 32-34"
Waist: 26" flat, to fit approx. 25"
Hip: 34. 5" flat, to fit up to 32"
Length: 49" from shoulder to hem in front (draped section 3" longer)
Underarm to waist length: 8"
Back of neck to dropped waist seam length: 23"
Sleeve length: 11"
Sleeve opening: a tiny 8. 5" total
Shoulder to shoulder: 14", with large shoulder pads
Label: Martha Weathered

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Chicago, IL.