black velvet dress vintage Vintage Molyneux Black Velvet Evening Gown 1930s Dress

This is a fabulous vintage evening gown made by legendary designer Edward Henry Molyneux.  Molyneux opened his fashion house in Paris in 1919.  His designs were known for their simple, highly refined lines, devoid of extraneous decoration and being at the height of elegant sophistication.  He dressed European royalty and was a favorite of actresses Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Gertrude Lawrence and Vivien Leigh.  He was friends with Noel Coward and his proteges included Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain.

This dress is made of a superior quality silk velvet that is stamped on the interior with “Made in France” and with “Marque Lyon”.  It is made in a sleeveless style with sweetheart neckline and double shoulder strap that is affixed to the front bodice through two openings at the top edge.  The waistline is defined and the skirt is constructed so as to flare to the hemline, creating a train effect at the back.   

Label: Molyneux

Color: Black       Material: Silk velvet

Sizing: No size is indicated - it should fit a medium size, but please rely on the following measurements for fit:

Bust: 36”     Waist:  29     Hips:  38” around, meant to fall in a draped style

Hemline: 118” around and the Overall length: 59", measured flat

Condition:  It is in excellent condition with no wear, tear, pulls, stains or odors - the only issue is that someone advised me that there was a size alteration.  It’s possible that the dress was either let out or taken in, but I don’t see any obvious sign of this.

This is an exceptional quality dress, very rare to find an example of Molyneux design from the 1930s.....fabulous fabric and gorgeous style, movie star worthy....