Description
This noir film femme fatale style, late 1940s black cocktail dress by designer Adele Simpson features a triple-layered peplum from waist to hem on its straight, calf-length skirt. Other construction details include a deep, U-shaped neckline with notched points below the small stand collar, large square shoulder pads typical of this era, and tapered, three-quarter-length sleeves. Each layer of the 3-tiered peplum that drapes over the skirt in front has a hem that curves upwards to disappear before reaching the back of the skirt. They are overlapped art the sides of the dress, like wide petals—a great design! A vertical slit in the front hem is nearly hidden by the lowest tier of the peplum.
The dress fastens in back with a metal zipper. The lightweight rayon crepe fabric is unlined in the body of the dress, although each layer of the peplum is backed with rayon taffeta. Thread belt loops are present, but not the original belt. In very good to excellent condition, the only minor flaw to note with this 40s cocktail dress is some very slight iron shine to the crepe fabric from past pressing. I suspect that it will look best on a regular or tall person, rather than a petite, based on the measurements and overall shape (see below for details about fit). My last photos shows the dress unclipped from the mannequin, for reference. This simply elegant 1940s LBD by Adele Simpson is the perfect base for some fabulous accessories, like a sparking rhinestone brooch or a jeweled vintage belt. It has been recently dry-cleaned with no issues, and is very sturdy and well-made!
Size: approx. modern S.
- Bust: 38 inches flat, to fit up to 37 max.
- Waist: 28 inches flat, to fit up to 27 max.
- Hips: 43 inches flat, to fit up to 40 or 41, depending on your prefer snugness level.
- Length: 47.5 inches from shoulder to hem in front.
- Back of neck to waist length: 16.5 inches (too long-waisted for a petite).
- Waist to hem: 30.5 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 15.25 inches (large shoulder pads).
- Sleeve length: 18 inches.
- Sweep/skirt width at hem: 43 inches.
- Label: Adele Simpson
