Vintage black crepe 1940s beaded and sequinned evening dress by Chanelle of Bournemouth

This is really quite film noir. And yes, I know it’s black but it also amazing.. and I love black dresses! I have lightened it a little at times so you can see all the details.

My mannequin has done this little justice, as it is designed for a more voluptuous figure! I’ve loosely clipped to the rear for the photos but would love to see this on the figure for which is was intended.

By ‘Chanelle’, who were a good example of a ‘madam’ chain of boutiques (so called as they catered to wealthy local ladies with a taste for high fashion, and often bought in ready to wear licensed copies or remakes of haute couture*. I know Westover Road was the height of chic in Bournemouth when the resort was at its fashionable peak, and the buildings beautiful - I have had a couple of other rather nice dresses with the same label over the years so had researched the label before. 

All beadwork and buttons intact. Good sized shoulderpads, decorative petal cut outs to neckline edged in beadwork. Side metal lightning zip. Asymmetric beaded peplum which sweeps over the hips like a sash.

Full length sleeves, with darted shaping at elbows, and the sleeves end in a point, sequin trimmed and with covered button closures. Nice internal finishing - it’s a well made dress. To the rear there are covered buttons and loops to close at cb of bodice down to waistline - always handy with a side zip to have additional access! 

Measures: 

Condition: 

Generally excellent. No flaws aside from slight crumpling/loosening of perma pleats to bottom 10” but crease lines all still there to re-press neatly off you wish. It’s clean and immediately wearable. 

*paraphrased from Fashion in The 1950s, Milford-Cottam.