Happy Holidays from 1955

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, full of vintage beauty, success, and happiness. For your enjoyment, here is a quick splash of seasonal red and green with this elegant sketch of a 1955 formal gown from Balenciaga.

A trailing panel gives a wonderful floating look to the evening gown, which features a deep back-jutting decolletage. Stunning.

1950s Dreamy Dior Gown in Green Satin

This fabulous off-shoulder gown in green satin is from Dior's "Y" line - the stem of the Y branches into width from a high waistline and (inverted) broadens out from waist to hem.

Luscious. Featured in Women's Home Companion, October 1955.

1950s - Balenciaga's Enchanting Sheath, Tunic, and Inspired Bolero

Now here is an ensemble I would love to wear! A pop of red on a white hat that makes you think of Christmas, a slim sheath topped with a knee-length tunic with big buttons, and an itty-bitty bolero with a floating back panel. Wow!

 

Here is a photograph of the dress & tunic in black brocade, without the bolero. The big buttons are there (we just can't see them). Enchanting!

1950s Paris Fashion - A Taste of the Orient

The Oriental influence inspired by the Chinese Opera's first visit to Paris in 1955 resulted in couture designs like this one by Dior. The evening sheath dress of pearly satin  is topped with a richly jeweled and embroidered caftan coat with split sides. This brilliant brocade definitely results in a rich, exotic look.

It seems as though they tried to give her eyes an Oriental look with the use of makeup. What do you think? Seen in Women's Home Companion, October 1955 edition.

1937 Glamorous Couture Fashion from Paris and Vogue

Shirred to a high waistline, this exquisite lamé-topped dress has the allure you need for cocktails and dinner! The black crepe croisette fabric is molded to you - seductive and slim. Note that the inspired turban matches the frock. Such sophistication - it's a movie star pose and movie star glamour. :)

Cigarette not required. ;)

1955 Couture - Chinese Influences

It's not exactly a cheongsam. Adapted from Dior's Chinese line, this superbly elegant silk crepe dress features a long slim tunic, Mandarin collar, and a finely pleated underskirt.

Yummmmmm!

1955 Couture Design - Dior Dress and Stole-Jacket

Dior's pale beige cheviot two-piece dress (sketch, below) from 1955 has a high turtle neck and wonderful big stole-jacket that closes with a double row of buttons.

And here it is to in the American adaptation, looking pretty darn similar. I'm not sure what to make of the stole-jacket. What do you think?

1950s Couture Dress from Givenchy with Artful Curves

This slim dress in the sketch below was designed by Givenchy in 1955. It is loosely fitted with a high bust band that curves and swings to a back, low-placed button. Short sleeves and a collarless neckline. Note the tea length. Such intriguing fashion!

 

Here is the dress as developed by manufacturers for the American market. I'd love to see what that matching jacket looks like!

Spotted in a Shop Window - Art Deco Drama

This figure-hugging strapless evening gown with its dramatic fan-pleated neckline is so stunning. The light accent of Oriental peonies at the waistline provides a perfect contrast to the neckline and the flaring of the gown below the knees.

Spotted in the window of Luly Yang in downtown Seattle.