This late 1940s cocktail dress in black rayon crepe features a ruffled front peplum and hip draping, along with unusual sequin and rhinestone trim. The large sequins trimming the pointed collar and front bodice are each set with a sparkling rhinestone in the center. The vertical row down the bodice front resembles trompe loeil buttons! The short sleeves are ruched on their outer sides, which the stitching on the left sleeve a bit less intact than on the right (see photo). Below the waist seam a short ruffled peplum and hip draping add interest to the otherwise straight skirt, with a small front slit. The dress fastens with two metal zippers: one in the side seam, and another at the back of the neck. The lightweight rayon crepe fabric is unlined. This film noir-worthy 1940s dress is in good, totally wearable condition, with these issues: the aforementioned, missing stitches in the ruching on the left sleeve hem, a few sequins with rippled edges (possibly happened during dry-cleaning), a pinhole-sized flaw in the right front bodice, and a slight fade line along the top of the left shoulder (see close-up photos).

Size: S to M

Bust: measures 39" flat, to fit up to 38"

Waist: measures 30" flat, to fit up to 29"

Hip: measures 42" flat, to fit up to 39-40"

Length: 46" from shoulder to hem in front

Underarm to waist length: 8"

Sleeve length: 7"

Sleeve opening: measures 12" total, when laid flat and doubled

Shoulder to shoulder: 14"

Label: Claudette Fashions

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