This is an exceptional original 1950s French couture dress by Parisian designer Pierre Billet, featuring the historic Les Trois Hirondelles label (The Three Swallows), a symbol associated with quality French fashion since the 1940s.
Pierre Billet was an established Parisian designer whose creations appeared in French fashion publications throughout the 1950s, including Jardin des Modes and Le Monde.
Beautifully constructed in lustrous, structured fabric with a subtle bronze-taupe sheen, this remarkable dress features an elegant sculpted collar, short cuffed sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a dramatically full, pleated skirt creating the quintessential mid-century silhouette.
Four striking translucent buttons decorate the front, while the carefully shaped seams, beautifully finished collar, and intricate interior fastening details reveal the quality of its construction.
A rare and sophisticated example of postwar Parisian fashion, combining architectural tailoring, understated elegance, and the unmistakable glamour of the 1950s.
Measurements: Please make sure you double check your own measures and compare them to the ones below.
Shoulders, seam to seam: -
Shoulders, side to side: -
Armpit to armpit: 18" (46cm)
Sleeves: -
Armhole/cuff girth: 14" (36cm)
Waist: 26" (66cm)
Hips: -
Shoulder to waist: 16" (41cm)
Waist to bottom: 30" (76cm)
Lenght: 46" (117cm)
Sweep, side to side: Full skirt
Condition: Near mint condition: note a few brownish spots (view photos) and one repair on the back of the skirt, between the pleats (view photo). No other issues! No holes, sweat marks, rips, smells, fading, etc.