#1669 $2,300
Norman Norell beaded silk crepe evening dress, c.1968
For the woman with total confidence! Norell beaded evening gowns need no adornment other than your attitude. In this amazing beaded evening gown, the designer let his signature mermaid theme evolve into a more figure-forgiving shape.
Norell retained the high neckline, overall beading, and lean hip-hugging shape, but expanded the bodice with fabulous batwing sleeves. The covered-up look is broken only by deep figure-revealing slits: one in the front skirt and the other in the bodice back. The contour waistline gracefully dips from slightly below the bust to the waist in back.
This glamorous dress is fashioned from black silk crepe covered with black glass bugle beads. The dress is unlined, allowing the weight of the fabric to cling to the figure. The skirt and sleeves close with zippers. The batwing sleeves are cut-in-one with the bodice.
Norman Norell was the master of ready-to-wear that could pass for couture. He consistently produced handsome, luxurious garments distinguished for their cutting edge style. From 1940-1970, Norell was at the top of his profession, producing collections that were often copied in Paris. In the 1960s The New Yorker wrote that Norell's influence was rivaled only by that of Balenciga.This sensational evening dress is quintessential Norell-elegant and very glamorous.
At the April 9, 2003 Doyle couture auction, two Norell totally beaded/sequined evening gowns sold for $2,800 and $3,750. Collectors have recognized that Norell's ready-to-wear designs rival the best of Paris couture. The label reads "Norman Norell for I. Magnin & Co."-see the picture below. The condition is excellent. Buy it and wear it!
It measures: 36"-38" bust (adjustable due to the open back and batwing sleeve), 27" waist, 13" from the shoulder to the front waist, 36" hip, and 56" from the shoulder to the hem.
