This is one of the most sublime 1940s matching ensembles I have ever encountered. Originally sold at The White House department store in San Francisco, which was operated by Raphael Weill & Company. The gown is fashioned from a gorgeous black rayon crepe and features a side metal zipper and two hidden side pockets, an exceptional detail! The waistline is lavishly embellished with intricate gold lamé embroidery and beadwork done by hand.
The accompanying cape is designed in a lightweight wool and lined in vivid shocking pink taffeta, creating a dramatic pop. It has its classic 1940s sculptural shoulder padding and fastens with a single hook closure at the neckline. The cape mirrors the gown’s extraordinary embroidery at the shoulders.
The condition is remarkably well preserved. There are a few very light pulls to the fabric of the cape, two extremely tiny pinholes only visible upon close inspection, and some minor spotting to the shoulder lining from probably storage on a hanger.
In 25 years of collecting and handling vintage, I have rarely encountered a set of this caliber. It is an extraordinarily special ensemble, cinematic in every sense! Worthy of a red carpet appearance or a major period film production.
Gown
Bust: 33”-34”
Waist: 26”
Hips up to 46”
Length: 59”
Cape
Length: 58”
This is one of the most sublime 1940s matching ensembles I have ever encountered. Originally sold at The White House department store in San Francisco, which was operated by Raphael Weill & Company. The gown is fashioned from a gorgeous black rayon crepe and features a side metal zipper and two hidden side pockets, an exceptional detail! The waistline is lavishly embellished with intricate gold lamé embroidery and beadwork done by hand.
The accompanying cape is designed in a lightweight wool and lined in vivid shocking pink taffeta, creating a dramatic pop. It has its classic 1940s sculptural shoulder padding and fastens with a single hook closure at the neckline. The cape mirrors the gown’s extraordinary embroidery at the shoulders.
The condition is remarkably well preserved. There are a few very light pulls to the fabric of the cape, two extremely tiny pinholes only visible upon close inspection, and some minor spotting to the shoulder lining from probably storage on a hanger.
In 25 years of collecting and handling vintage, I have rarely encountered a set of this caliber. It is an extraordinarily special ensemble, cinematic in every sense! Worthy of a red carpet appearance or a major period film production.
Gown
Bust: 33”-34”
Waist: 26”
Hips up to 46”
Length: 59”
Cape
Length: 58”
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