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Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Ceil Chapman

Ceil Chapman was an American fashion designer who worked in New York City from the 1940s to the 1960s. She was noted for creating glamorous cocktail and party dresses and for working with celebrity clients including television and movie actresses.

1950s vintage image of Debbie Reynolds tries on a 1950s wedding dress with the help of designer Ceil Chapman.

Image:1950s image of Debbie Reynolds tries on a wedding dress with the help of designer Ceil Chapman. (Photo by Seymour Wally/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

For today’s ‘Vintage Fashion Designer‘ spotlight, we will be learning about Ceil’s background in fashion and then taking a look at her stunning fashion designs (as seen thru vintage ads, vintage images & real life dresses avail to purchase).

Let the fashion show begin!

“Here’s one house that understands the importance of the cocktail dress,” 

Women’s Wear Daily 
Vintage image of Fashion Designer 1940s-1970s Ceil Chapman
1950s Fashion Designer: Ceil Chapman-1950s Fashion label


Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.


Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Ceil Chapman

Highlights of Ceil’s Life & Career:

  • Born Cecilia Mitchell (1912), she spent her childhood in Rosebank, Staten Island. She moved to Manhattan with her family as a teenager.

  • As a young girl, Chapman designed and made her own clothes. She made her first formal dress when she was 15 years old.

  • She became a Chapman when she married her first husband Samuel, with whom she went into business in 1940.

  • According to her son, Peter Chapman, Ceil Chapman had no formal design training, but learned by working as a “buyer and business woman in the fashion industry”.

  • Peter also stated, that she had design skills akin to engineering and indeed, if one studies her skillful draping and tucking and folding of fabric, it is clear as to what he meant.

  • She wore exclusively black during the day, and almost always wore white for evening functions.

  • She never attended French fashion shows, preferring not to be influenced by Paris when designing for American woman.

  • Chapman was among those who succeeded in adapting Christian Dior’s “New Look” for relatively affordable cocktail wear targeted toward the American ready-to-wear market.

  • Chapman patented numerous designs between 1954 and 1960.

  • Ceil Chapman was reportedly Marilyn Monroe’s favorite fashion designer.

  • She provided the trousseau for Elizabeth Taylor’s 1950 wedding to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton.

  • Other celebrity clients included Deborah Kerr, Greer Garson, Grace Kelly and Aretha Franklin.

  • Several of Chapman’s designs, including a 1948 wedding dress, a late 1940s dress, and three 1950s cocktail dresses, are in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  • Chapman died after a two-year illness on Friday, July 13, 1979 (Source).

Further reading about Ceil’s life HERE.


Her Fashion Designs as seen in Vintage Images and Vintage Advertising

Barbara Mullen in Ceil Chapman, photo by Toni Frissell, Washington D.C., Vogue, 1952

1950s Fashion: Barbara Mullen in Ceil Chapman, photo by Toni Frissell, Washington D.C., Vogue, 1952 - 1950s Evening gown / 1950s Dress

Source: Pinterest

Firth Floor Coverings – 1951 featuring a 1950s housewife in a Ceil Chapman dress.

Ceil was astute and derived additional income by lending her name and stylish image for advertising purposes to include Cadillac, which featured elegantly Chapman-dressed models draped over luxury cars. Ceil even appeared, pictured in her studio, in advertisements on behalf of Western Union Telegrams and Playtex (Source).

1950s Vintage Ad for Firth Floor Coverings - 1951 featuring a 1950s housewife in a Ceil Chapman dress. Super Early 1950s Home decor ad.

Source: eBay

As mentioned above here is a Western Union Telegram ad featuring Ceil, photo by Peter Benech, 1956.

1950s vintage ad: American fashion designer Ceil Chapman for Western Union Telegram ad, photo by Peter Benech, 1956

Source: Pinterest

Late 1940s Fashion-1949 Hollywood, CA- Vivid green, coral blue and yellow are combined in the tropical print frock by Ceil Chapman, designed for actress Elizabeth Taylor’s own wardrobe. The colorful afternoon dress features a deep plunging neckline and a pert stand-up collar. The full skirt, with deep pockets hidden in its folds, is topped by a fitted, short-sleeved bodice and a self belt.

Late 1940s Fashion-1949 Hollywood, CA- Vivid green, coral blue and yellow are combined in the tropical print frock by Ceil Chapman, designed for actress Elizabeth Taylor's own wardrobe. The colorful afternoon dress features a deep plunging neckline and a pert stand-up collar. The full skirt, with deep pockets hidden in its folds, is topped by a fitted, short-sleeved bodice and a self belt.

Source: Getty Images

Gown by Ceil Chapman in an ‘Old Gold’ cigarette ad, 1951.

1950s vintage ad for old gold cigarettes featuring a 1950s evening gown by Ceil Chapman

Source: Pinterest

1950s vintage photo of Marilyn Monroe in Korea 1954 in a Ceil Chapman designed purple dress. Marilyn loved the dress so much she asked the designer to make her an identical dress in black.

1950s vintage photo of Marilyn Monroe in Korea 1954 in a Ceil Chapman designed purple dress. Marilyn loved the dress so much she asked the designer to make her an identical dress in black.

Source: Pinterest

1954 Vogue Magazine image of fashion model Evelyn Tripp in a Ceil Chapman gown.

1950s vintage image of Evelyn Tripp Wearing a 1950s dress by Ceil Chapman in 1954 vogue magazine

Source: Fine Art America

1960s Vintage Ad for Kotex featuring a 1962 dress by Ceil Chapman and a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible.

1960s Vintage Ad for Kotex featuring a 1962 Dress by Ceil Chapman and a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible.

Source: eBay

Model in layered and ruffled nylon tulle gown, Vogue, October 1, 1950 for ‘William Winklers-Nylon tulle.’

1950s Fashion ad as seen in Vogue: Model in layered and ruffled nylon tulle gown by Ceil Chapman, Vogue, October 1, 1950 for Winklers-Nylon tulle.

Source: Pinterest

1955 Vintage ad for Galey & Lord.

“PARTY MANNERS – The “little-girl-look” assumes a sophisticated manner with the famous Ceil Chapman touch. For that demure but very delectable air…a winged collar and pyramids of white crocheted lace. On gossamer Galey & Lord cotton, of course”.

1950s vintage ad for Galey & Lord featuring a 1950s Dress by Ceil Chapman

Source: Pinterest

I just finishd travelling for a month and let me tell you, having outfits that can do multiple things is a MUST. I just love that Ceil feels the same way with this long skirt that has matching shorts. Plus you can wear the jacket or not for either outfit. Love it! -1950s magazine layout.

1950s Fashion: Travel Outfit by Ceil Chapman for women featuring a skirt that becomes shorts.

Source: Alamy.com

Dressmaker Suit as seen in a 1950s Spadea Pattern Catalog (avail HERE as of April 2023).

Spadea Brand patterns were publicized in Life magazine during the 1950s and 1960s and sold via mail order. The catalog states: American Designers Patterns are original current models from the finest American houses by the top fashion creators in the country. The individuality of the designers, their handling of material… their theories of design are faithfully and strictly followed – so when you buy an American Designers Pattern, you are buying the blueprint of the original, not a copy (Source-Etsy)

1950s Fashion: Ceil Chapman Dressmaker Suit as seen in a 1950s Spadea Pattern Catalog

Source-Etsy CloesCloset

Spadea designer sewing pattern from the 1950s. This cocktail dress design by Ceil Chapman is incredibly flattering with a wide, scooped neckline, bodice and skirt drapery, and short sleeves.

1950s Fashion / 1950s Sewing Pattern: Spadea designer sewing pattern from the 1950s. This cocktail dress design by Ceil Chapman is incredibly flattering with a wide, scooped neckline, bodice and skirt drapery, and short sleeves
1950s Fashion: 1950s dress for evening by Ceil Chapman shown next to it's sewing pattern Fashion Illustration.

Source: Etsy – Mrsdewpew

1952 Fashion ad: “Charm handled in the Ceil Chapman manner – black embroidery etched on bright white organdy, with jersey top $110”.

1950s vintage ad from 1952 featuring a 1950s skirt and top by Ceil Chapman at the French Shop

Source: eBay

Examples of Ceil Champman in “Real Life”

1950’s Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.
1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.

Source: 1stdibs.com

1950s fit and flare shape satin gown in a dusty blue.

1950s Fashion: 1950s fit and flare shape satin gown in a dusty blue by Ceil Chapman

Source: Etsy – VintageBibandTucker

1950s Wedding Dress by Ceil Chapman.

Silver beads, crystas, paillettes and cord floral vine design peplum skirt. Strapless, boned bodice has fold over petal.

Rich and luxurious duchesse satin has beautiful drape and movement.

1950s Fashion / 1950s Wedding Dress. 1950s Ceil Chapman wedding dress.

Source: Vintage Bride

1958 silk tulle & taffeta ballgown in a couple of shades of green. Love those colours!

1950s fashion: 1958 silk tulle & taffeta ballgown in a couple of shades of green by Ceil Chapman - 1950s Vintage Fashion designer.

Source: Getty Images

The 1940s dress below is just so simple it is stunning. A 1940s black silk shantung evening dress (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Shantung Evening Dress.

Source: Etsy – CarnelianVintage

1940s Ceil Chapman Dress – Burnt Orange with a high shawl collar (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1940s fashion: Vintage 1940s Ceil Chapman Dress - Burnt Orange - High Shawl Collar

Source: Etsy – bellofbow

1960s long sleeve sequin stripes cocktail party dress (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1960s Fashion: 1960s Ceil Chapman Dress Tight Black Pencil Dress Long Sleeve Sequin Stripes Cocktail Party Dress

Source: Etsy – Frockittome

1950s Ceil Chapman jewelled rhinestone tear drop black velvet shelf bust dress.

1950s Fashion: 1950s Ceil Chapman Jewelled Rhinestone Tear Drop Black Velvet Shelf Bust Dress

Source: shrimptoncouture.com

I am now going to end this post with my dream dress. DREAM! A 1940s silk chiffon gown in a tropical / floral print. Those colours! Drool.

1940s Fashion: 1940s silk chiffon gown in a tropical / floral print by Ceil Chapman.

Source: liveauctiioneers.com

So many beautiful dresses & cool ads but so little space for this post! I hope you enjoyed learning about Ceil and seeing her stunning creations. I really enjoyed putting this together for you. Share you favourites in the comment section below!


Vintage Shopping: There were so many dresses avail for purchase on Etsy that I have started a collection of them on the site so you can take a look at that ones I could not show on this post. Take a look at the vintage dresses HERE.


Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Vintage Las Vegas Photos, 1940s-1960s

Welcome to 2023! I hope January has been good to you so far. I’m just back from basically travelling for a month (it was a blast) and now I’m off to Las Vegas again for my annual German Karneval (Mardi Gras) 2 day party at the Tuscany. It’s always a fun party with great people celebrating the traditions originally started in Germany. You can follow along on my Instagram Feed if you are interested.

In honour of my upcoming party weekend, I thought ‘Vintage Photo Tuesday‘ should focus on images from Las Vegas from the 1940s to the 1960s. Then if you enjoyed this post, you can find other vintage Vegas posts I have done at the end of today’s fun.

Let’s begin!

Flamingo Hotel (Las Vegas), 1950s. The Champagne Tower is seen on the right. 

The Flamingo hotel is one of my favourite places to stay on the strip. It no longer looks like the cool Mid Century Architecture below but it’s still awesome.

1950s vintage photo of the front of the Flamingo Hotel (Las Vegas), 1950s - Las Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Early 1950s photo of a stylish woman hanging out at the Sahara pool. What a super coloured photo!

1950s vintage photo of a stylish woman in 1950s fashions and 1950s hairstyle hanging out At the Sahara hotel pool, early 1950s. (Undated Kodachrome red border slide.)

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Bands are everyhere in the city. Here is a group of entertainers called “Polly Possum, Joe Wolverton and the Dogpatch County Band” performing at the Golden Nugget Saloon in downtown Las Vegas.

1950s Vintage Photo: Group of entertainers called "Polly Possum, Joe Wolverton and the Dogpatch County Band" performing at the Golden Nugget Saloon in downtown Las Vegas. Fun Vintage Las Vegas image.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1950s photo of four showgirls (another staple in the city) in stylish 1950s dresses outside the Moulin Rouge, preparing for the Helldorado parade, dated May 5, 1955.

About the Moulin Rouge:

On 24 May 1955 the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino opened.  It was located at at 900, Bonanza Road on the west side of Las Vegas; becoming what the promoters called “the nation’s first major interracial hotel”.

Until the hotel’s opening African American entertainers in Las Vegas were denied access to public casino and hotel dining areas unless they were performing and were forced to stay overnight in segregated boarding houses on the Westside.  Within the next few months the hotel attracted performers such as Louis Armstrong, George Burns, Nat King Cole, Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Unfortunately, despite its popularity, the Moulin Rouge closed its doors six months later surrounded by many rumors as to what had happened. Its brief run as a successfully integrated casino, though, prompted political activists to campaign for the integration of the Las Vegas Strip – an agreement that was achieved, ironically, in the now closed Moulin Rouge on March 26, 1960 (Source).

1950s photo of four showgirls in 1950s dresses outside the Moulin Rouge, preparing for the Helldorado parade, dated May 5, 1955.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Photograph of Lionel Hampton with members of the Moulin Rouge show group, 1955.

1950s vintage Photograph of Lionel Hampton with members of the Moulin Rouge show group, 1955

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1960s vintage photo of a group of men and women in 1960s fashions hanging out at the Sands Hotel pool.

1960s vintage photo ofa group of men and women in 1960s fashions hanging out at the Sands Hotel pool.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

A floating craps game in the Sands Hotel swimming pool (Las Vegas), 1954. Love the 1950s swimsuits.

Photo description: “Floating craps table – Customers at the Sands Hotel escape the heat by gambling in the pool. About 2200 guests tried this in 1954.” (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of a floating craps game in the Sands Hotel swimming pool (Las Vegas), 1954. Cute 1950s swimsuits on the women.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Las Vegas is known for it’s famous buffets. Here is a image of the Chuck Wagon Buffet at the El Rancho Vegas, late 1940s.

1940s vintage Photograph of the Chuck Wagon Buffet at the El Rancho Vegas (Las Vegas), late 1940s - Vintage Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

1951 photo of workers installing the now-famous Vegas Vic sign on the front of the Pioneer Club.

Photo Description: “First Highrise Hotel — Center of action downtown throughtout the 1930s was the Apache Hotel which boasted an elevator and a nitery downstairs. The corner is now Binion’s Horseshoe, but the spot has undergone many name changes from Tony Cornero’s ‘S.S. Rex’ to the Eldorado where the mobs were fighting for control of the race wire. Bugsy Siegel’s influence was first felt here in the early 1940s.” (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of YESCO workers installing Vegas Vic at the Pioneer Club (Las Vegas), 1951

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Desert Inn, 1950 – The Sky Room, at the top of a three story tower, the tallest structure on the Las Vegas Strip at the time. The woman on the right is Toni Clark, wife of DI president Wilbur Clark. Photographed by J.R. Eyerman for LIFE Magazine (Source).

Desert Inn, 1950 – The Sky Room, at the top of a three story tower, the tallest structure on the Las Vegas Strip at the time. The woman on the right is Toni Clark, wife of DI president Wilbur Clark. photographed by J.R. Eyerman for LIFE Magazine. Stylish 1950s evening dresses and 1950s hairstyles.

Source: Facebook – Vintage Las Vegas

Las Vegas-The Wedding Capital.

Las Vegas residents Eddie and Johnie Wright at their wedding reception, April 25, 1957.

In an oral history interview (for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project) with Eddie Wright Jr. and Johnie B. Wright conducted by B. Leon Green. Wright and Wright Jr. discuss coming to Las Vegas, Nevada and their careers as a teacher/nursing aid and a ticket agent at the local Greyhound station, respectively (Source).

1950s vintage Photograph of Eddie and Johnie Wright at their wedding reception, April 25, 1957. Fantastic 1950s Wedding Image.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Another wedding photo but this time for Sammy Davis Jr and Loray White at the Sands in Las Vegas on 01/10/1958.

1950s Vintage Photo: Sammy Davis Jr and Loray White wedding at the Sands in Las Vegas on 01/10/1958

Source: Pinterest

Front exterior of Club Bingo (Las Vegas), between 1947-1952. What a fun sign! BINGO!

Photograph of the front exterior of Club Bingo (Las Vegas), between 1947-1952 - Vintage Vegas

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Playing bingo at Golden Nugget, February 1947 – Photo by Jon Brenneis (Source).

1940s vintage image of a woman in westernwear and a 1940s hairstyle Playing bingo at Golden Nugget, February 1947 - Photo by Jon Brenneis

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Events and conventions are another staple of the Vegas scene.

Congo line at the American Parts System convention – Late 1960s photo.

Events and conventions are another staple of the Vegas scene. 

Congo line at the American Parts System convention - Late 1960s photo.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Fremont & Main, 1946. Our lovely lady (love her braid hairstyle) is standing at Union Park which was in front of the Union Pacific depot. The photo is sometime between May-Nov. 1946 (source).

1940s vintage photo of a woman in a 1940s dress and a braided 1940s hairstyle at Fremont & Main, 1946. She's standing at Union Park which was in front of the Union Pacific depot. The photo is sometime between May-Nov. 1946.

Source: Facebook-Vintage Las Vegas

Famous Las Vegas shows. 1950s vintage photo of the Copa Girls Trans World Airlines show rehearsal at the Sands Hotel.

1950s vintage photo of the Copa Girls Trans World Airlines show rehearsal at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

Source: UNLV Digital Collections

Thank you for dropping by and I hope you enjoyed this collection of vintage Vegas photos. Please share any comments you have about this blog post in the section below. I love hearing from my readers.

This is going to be another year of fun vintage content and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Further Reading about Vintage Las Vegas:

Liz