This is a very rare, museum quality example of Gustave Tassell, who was one of the great American Coutouriers. Example of hie work are extremely hard to come by and most are only found in museum collections! For those not familiar with his work, Tassell won a Coty Award in 1962 and designed for the house of Norell when Normal Norell died. This piece predates this when he was running his own couture house out of California. The gown exemplifies that jet set "hostess" look that was the rage for evening wear. It entirely covers the wearer with a high neck, long sleeves and to the floor skirt, and is almost regal in its line and cut with the fabric being the showcase. It is a custom fabric and a stunning confection of woven silk brocade with portions of it being a fine black chenille. The contrast between the fabric is quite beautiful and silver thread is worked around the patterns to further highlight them. Off the body it has the impression of being larger hen it is and very structured. On the body you realize that is cut to be worn and has a way of transforming into strict architectural lines that somehow seem easy to wear. The lining of a fine grade silk feels heavenly against the skin and it feels good on. Pockets lie hidden along the seams of the front for an extra bit of chic. It is a rare gown that looks to have never been worn and is a stunning example of a great American Couturier!

Shoulders: 15" across
Sleeves: 23" long
Bust: 19" flat across the back from seam to seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across the back from seam to seam
Hips: 20" flat across the back from seam to seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Fully lined in a fine, high grade, hand set, black silk and closes with a back painted, hand set, metal zipper. Hand finished. The silk satin belt is partially attached to the waist and snaps into place around the waist where it is not. Each pocket is lined in the same high grade silk.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# DD998