Complete one off dress, designed and made by Kitty Copeland Ltd.
Kitty Copeland Ltd were established around 1920, and in 1947 celebrated 27 years of making beautiful dresses with a press advert. They continued in business until the 70s; during the war years they helped by making uniforms, and then after the war their dresses were sold at the high end department store that later become Harrods. Going by the label, this dress dates from somewhere in the 40s & 50s.
This is incredible quality, that the photos don't really show or give it justice. The quality and detail make us believe that this dress was bespoke handmade to order, and probably a wedding/bridesmaid dress or going away outfit (which was common for brides to change into at the wedding reception, and leave to go on honeymoon in).
The only label is the Kitty Copeland Ltd one -which also adds to this being bespoke made.
It is fully lined in every detail, and I believe the outer layer is silk, lined with matching satin. The fabric drapes from the shoulders to a V neckline, with the fabric rose stitched in place at the bottom of the V.
The belt with the bow in the centre is completely separate and secures with 2 tiny hooks & loops.
The skirt is straight, with no kick pleat or slit at the back, so delicate steps would be needed when wearing this, so the fabric isn't pulled.
The zip down the back has been made a beautiful feature of, with the fabric pleats from the shoulder falling to the zip folds, which are also secured with tiny hoop & loops.
As this has been bespoke made, please check my measurements to ensure it will fit.
Measurements - taken from the outside.
Shoulder straps width approx: 2.25"/5.5cm
Pit to pit approx: 18.5"/47cm
Waistline approx: 13"/33cm
Length from top of shoulder approx: 39.5"/100cm
Condition:
This is in fantastic condition, with no snags, pulls, etc, to the fabric that we have found. The only thing we have found, which only showed on the close up photos, is the armpits are showing some very slight marking -which may come out with gently sponging with a damp sponge or with the recommended dry cleaning.
40s 50s Kitty Copeland Silk Lined Dress Teal Turquoise Size 6-8
This is recommended to be dry cleaned; and given the delicate nature of both the fabric and the attached flower -we would recommend adhering to the dry cleaning instruction; although hanging over a hot bath or in a steamy bathroom to allow the steam to help the creases drop out is an old tip that works very well, especially with fragile fabrics.