Jean Louis is famous for having designed the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1962 for JFK's Birthday party when she sang Happy Birthday, Mr. President. His dresses where very expensive - in the thousands even in the 50s and 60s and they are done to couture levels. His attention to detail and the exquisite craftsmanship and masterful techniques, especially in earlier pieces are a joy to see and are clearly apparent in this stunning dress. The Body of the dress is constructed of a silk chiffon that is set in sharp knife pleats running vertically down the bodice and skirt. A panel of silk edges the squared off neckline. Each sleeve is silk chiffon and finished in a 6" panel of fine lace. They widen out as they near the cuffs . That same lace adorns the top two outer layers of the skirt in a full 11" panel! The lace is very fine and appears to be hand made and has been stiffened so also acts as a very slight weight to hold the drape of the skirt and sleeves perfectly in place. It is very, very beautiful. The waist is nipped in with the original belt. It is a classic and exceptionally well made! It literally took my breathe away when I first saw it. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a hand set fine black silk. The sleeves are left unlined. The skirt is made of three layers. The very innermost layer is a silk crepe that is unlined but with finished inner seams and ribbon edged hem. The top two layers over this are silk chiffon and both are finished with a lace panel around the hem. It closes with a fine black painted metal zipper. The belt was a little big for the mannequin so I did not picture it on. It has a hook buckle and is covered in a black silk.
Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML
Item# DD1775
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
