This is a gorgeous 1940s dress by Elan, Paris and, there is something wonderfully understated about this French garment — at first glance quite restrained, but the closer you look, the more beautiful little details begin to appear.
Made in a fine heather grey wool blend, it has a beautifully tailored silhouette with softly structured shoulders, a fitted waist and a long gently flared skirt. Our favourite detail is undoubtedly the unusual sculptural trimming that follows the upper bodice seams, creating small lapel-like curves on either side of the chest. The short sleeves are finished with pointed turned-back cuffs, echoing the angular lines of the bodice.
The dress fastens through the front with four lovely dark openwork buttons and has two small hip pockets. The fabric has a subtle mélange effect that gives the grey much more depth when seen up close.
A beautifully constructed piece of 1940s French daywear: elegant without being overly formal, and full of those clever tailoring details that make us stop and look twice.
Please make sure you double check your own measures and compare them to the ones below.
Shoulders, seam to seam: 15" (38cm)
Shoulders, side to side: -
Armpit to armpit: 19" (48cm)
Sleeves: -
Armhole sleeve girth: 12.5" (32cm)
Waist: 29" (74cm)
Hips: 39" (100cm)
Shoulder to waist: 16" (40cm)
Waist to bottom: 24.5" (62cm) + approx. 3" (7cm) hem to let down
Lenght: 40.5" (102cm)
Sweep, side to side: -
Fabric: Wool blend
Condition: Mint condition. No holes, stains, sweat marks, fading, etc.