party dress silk Rare Vintage 1950s Helen Rose Silk Party Dress

party dress silk Rare Vintage 1950s Helen Rose Silk Party DressThis rare vintage 1950s Helen Rose silk party dress is not only the most joyous confection, but a very important piece of fashion history. Helen Rose was an important figure in both fashion and Hollywood from the 1940s, through the 1960s and beyond. An Academy Award winning costume designer, she worked with young starlets like Elizabeth Taylor while working at movie studio MGM. She was known for her fashion forward approach, making a name for herself

This rare vintage 1950s Helen Rose silk party dress is not only the most joyous confection, but a very important piece of fashion history. 

Helen Rose was an important figure in both fashion and Hollywood from the 1940s, through the 1960s and beyond. An Academy Award-winning costume designer, she worked with young starlets like Elizabeth Taylor while working at movie studio MGM. She was known for her fashion-forward approach, making a name for herself by veering from precise historical accuracy in period pieces. She began producing garments inspired by her designs for the screen, and they quickly became highly-sought-after by her Hollywood clientele. Rose became the premier bridal designer of the time— she designed Elizabeth Taylor's wedding dress for her first wedding in 1950, as well as 

Grace Kelly's wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco— see images below. (Elizabeth Taylor's Helen Rose dress was auctioned for

$188,000 in 2013.)

Made in the late 1950s, this dress was designed by Helen Rose and retailed at JW Robinson. The emerald green rich silk is so lush— we rarely see fabric of this quality today. The ruched drop-waist bodice, together with the full pleated skirt and open neckline creates a flattering hourglass shape. I love the way the gathering at the shoulders creates little cap sleeves. But, the draped bow detail steals the show! It's so well done, and adds a unique movement to the dress. It features a silk-chiffon lining in the skirt. Note that the exact fiber contents are not listed

Measurements: PLEASE NOTE that this dress previously was let out in the bodice, so these measurements reflect the dress's current state, although it would be very easy to take it back in following the original seam line. It can be taken in on each side by .75" and at the back zipper by up to about 1" for a total of about 2.5", just following those existing seam lines. (You could obviously take it in more, too.) It is shown clipped on a size X-Small to simulate a proper fit; as-is, it will best fit a size Small and Medium but please refer to below measurements to be sure.

Chest: 36" laid flat (some extra room if needed thanks to gathering)

Waist: 28"

Hips are open

Length: 40.5" from shoulder to hem (can be let out by 4.5" if needed)

Good vintage condition overall; the fabric exhibits some fading in small areas but because of the nature of the silk and its sheen, it's really not noticeable when worn, and doesn't pick up in photos at all. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email [email protected] for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.

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Elizabeth Taylor wore a Helen Rose wedding gown to her 1950s wedding to Conrad "Nicky" Hilton.

Grace Kelly wore a Helen Rose gown to her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.