CHANEL Attributed to House Of CHANEL By Gabrielle CHANEL Black Long Evening Dress Bows CC Logo Buttons C.1950s-1970s

REF:CVC180401243.PFR0726

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An amazing circa 1950s-1970s, elegant vintage Haute Couture Chanel long evening cocktail sleeveless pleated dress attributed to Gabrielle Chanel. A striking monochrome black dress handcrafted with dramatic textures and vintage details. It is a long evening cocktail dress, fastens around the neck with a high structured collar made of heavily ruched pleated creating aromantic finish around the collarbone and shoulders. A large statement black satin bow sits directly in the center of the neckline. Underneath the large bow on the center of the fitted bodice is a vertical line of three Chanel rich gold tone “stars” jewel buttons that offer a beautiful contrast against the black vintage silk fabric. The lower part of the dress cascades into voluminous vertical black silk finish pinstripe stitching pleated that elongates the torso for a flare finish. Underneath the skirt there is double linings highlighting a structured stiffened black honeycomb crinoline mesh (tulle) and underneath the crinoline mesh there is a silk-satin petticoat decorated with lace border. The rear of the dress features a striking low-cut open back that forms a sharp plunging V-shape. Fastening with a discreet YKK zipper at the center. Often Gabrielle Chanel used double lining underneath the main skirt to create fullness without adding heavy, restrictive boning or corsetry on her vintage haute couture evening wear. A “Must-Have” a very rare archival Coco Chanel Haute Couture cocktail dress, highly collectible and to wear for parties for a stunning luxury look!

The Story Behind: Common Characteristics of Vintage Chanel Gowns design by Coco Chanel – Gabrielle Chanel

Coco Chanel started making clothes and expanded from hats into casual sportswear and dresses around 1913 when she opened a boutique in Deauville, followed by her first true couture house in Biarritz in 1915.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel frequently used black mesh, tulle, and lace in her vintage evening and haute couture dresses, though typically as the outer layers or structural support rather than as a hidden internal lining.

Bows: Chanel often placed bows at the waist, across the bust, or set low on the back of evening gowns.

Coco Chanel materiel, design and technique: Chanel preferred using luxurious black Chantilly lace, tulle and shirred net as the visible, outermost material of her evening gowns for a perfect finish. The Silk Base: To keep her dresses lightweight and flexible, she commonly backed or lined these sheer black fabrics with fluid, opaque materials like black silk crepe, georgette, satin, or rayon. This allowed the intricate patterns of the lace and mesh to stand out against a solid dark backing. Understructure Netting: For structural body or flare (particularly in her 1930s and 1950s collections), Coco Chanel integrated built-in foundations made of stiffened net, tulle, or crinoline mesh underneath the main skirt to create fullness without adding heavy, restrictive boning or corsetry.

Common Characteristics of Vintage Chanel Gowns: Lace and Tulle Combinations: Multi-layered skirts crafted from delicate tiers of lace and starched tulle were staples of her romantic evening wear. Unlike her rivals who used heavy canvas and tight corsets, Coco Chanel used the natural stretch of fishnet and mesh structures to contour seamlessly to the woman’s body without constriction to focus on comfort instead.