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Tag: fashion designer


Apr
2024

Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Fred Perlberg Dance Originals

categories: 1940s, 1950's, Vintage Fashion, Vintage Fashion Designer

As vintage fashion enthusiasts, it’s always a joy to learn about the designers who made your favourite pieces a reality (and to see more of those designs). For today’s post, we will dive into the world of one such designer who has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry: Fred Perlberg.

Fred Perlberg was well known for his beautiful party dresses and I’m excited to showcase the vintage ads & real life dress examples of his stunning designs.

Let’s begin!

1950s Fred Perlberg Dress with a tulip / petal bust and a full skirt. Stunning 1950s Fashion inspiration.

Source: Reddit

Further Reading: This post is a series I have done on Vintage Fashion Designers / Brands that I have wanted to showcase not only for my readers but also for myself! Take a read after your done.

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. 

Fred Perlberg-Dance Originals Designs

About:

Fred Perlberg (1901-1991) began working in the New York fashion industry when he was sixteen. Three years later, at the age of nineteen, he started his own company (around 1920). Fred Perlberg Originals were mid-priced party and dance dresses and were marketed across the United States and Canada. Fred Perlberg retired in 1968, but the company continued with Roger Milot as the designer (Source-Vintage Fashion Guild).

1940s vintage clothing label for Fred Perlberg Dresses
1940s Clothing Label

Vintage Inn Blog Note: I was unable to find any of his designs before the 1950s (a little bit in the 1940s) anywhere on the web. If any of my readers can shed light on this designer for the missing time periods that would be fantastic! Comment below.

Vintage Fashion Advertising

November 1940 advertisement: “Mountie Red”. Young Hollywood Fashions sponsored by Fred Perlberg, Inc.

1940s evening gowns inspired by the dramatic colors in Cecil B. DeMille, “North West Mounted Police” with Gary Cooper & Paulette Goddard.

1940s vintage advertisement / 1940s Fashions: 1940s evening gowns inspired by the dramatic colors in Cecil B. DeMille, "North West Mounted Police" with Gary Cooper & Paulette Goddard. Dresses by Fashion Designer-Fred Perlberg

“Holiday red…deep, glistening black-more festive this season because of Chromspun”.

In this 1950s ad, the Fred Perlberg designs highlight the Chromspun taffeta in the two gowns. A petal-skirted, matching sequin trim dress & a floor-length, with dramatic back black evening gown.

Chromspun (acetate fiber with the color locked in) is a trademarked product of the Eastman Chemical Company.

1950s fashion ad for Fred Perlberg evening gowns. One 1950s full skirt dress is in red, the other is a stunning black floor length evening gown.

Source: Pinterest

“Here comes the Bride”….This is an original 1956 color print ad for a princess-line wedding dress designed by Miss Lillian of Miriam Modes. Also featured is a long-bodiced bridesmaid dress of Chromspun taffeta with floating back panels, designed by Josephine of Fred Perlberg.

Further Reading – Vintage Photos: The 1950’s Bride

1950s Vintage Ad: This is an original 1956 color print ad for a princess-line wedding dress of Skinner's peau de faille with a deep box-pleated dust ruffle and a crescent inset of sequin-spattered re-embroidered Alencon lace, designed by Miss Lillian of Miriam Modes. Also featured is a long-bodiced bridesmaid dress of Chromspun taffeta with floating back panels, designed by Josephine of Fred Perlberg. Fantastic Vintage Wedding Inspiration!

Source: Period Paper

1950s vintage fashion ad featuring stunning full skirt gowns.

1950s vintage fashion advertisement for Fred Perlberg Dance originals featuring 1950s Circle skirt dresses. Fantastic 1950s fashions!

Source: Etsy-VintageVortex

1950s fashion ad featuring fashion illustrations of Fred Perlberg dresses for weddings, garden and even Halloween parties.

1950s vintage advertisement for Fred Perlberg dresses featuring an illustration of 1950s evening dresses. Fantastic 1950s fashion inspiration.

Source: Etsy-VintageVortex

“Dateline: Holiday Time U.S.A.” featuring pretty nylon tulle evening gowns in full length and waltz length.

1950s vintage ad for women's 1950s evening gowns by Fred Perlberg Dance Originals.

Source: Facebook

1stDibs has the actual dress in the ad above for sale on their website at the time of this blog post. I will share it below so that you can see the stunning details the advertisement just cannot show.

Description: 1950s Fred Perlberg white and Robin’s egg blue rhinestone encrusted strapless gown. Boned bodice. Hundreds of rhinestones really make this dress sparkle. Features layers of white tulle with blue silk satin around the waist (Source).

1950s Fashion: 1950s Fred Perlberg white and Robin’s egg blue rhinestone encrusted strapless gown ! Boned bodice. Hundreds of rhinestones really make this dress sparkle. Features layers of white tulle with blue silk satin around the waist

Real Life Examples of Fred Perlberg Dresses

(avail at time of posting)

Vintage Shopping: I have created a ‘Fred Perlberg Dresses’ Etsy Collection that is updated monthly. Happy Shopping!

(NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites).

The first Fred Perlberg 1950s dress reminds me of the dresses featured in the last advertisement above. A 1950s Prom Dress / Evening Gown in Taffeta (this one is dusty pink & sky blue (which can be seen in certain light) and tiered netting with a bodice that is boned and gathered. STUNNING!

Further Reading: Prom in the 1940s and 1950s

1950s Fashion: Fred Perlberg 1950s Prom Dress / Evening Gown in Taffeta (this one is dusty pink & sky blue (which can be seen in certain light) and tiered netting with a bodice that is boned and gathered.

Source: Etsy-SadieVain

1950s party dress with matching shawl. The fabric is textured and embossed. It is a strapless style with a heavily boned bodice and a nipped waist. The waist is pleated and the shelf bodice is sheer ivory fabric with a lace trim.

Fashion Note: I’m really starting to notice that Fred really liked dramatic bodices. Pleating, gathers, petal style designs. This will make it easy for all of you when you are out in the world to instantly recognize his designs.

1950s Fashion: A 1950s Fred Perlberg Dance Originals party dress with matching shawl. Fred Perlberg was well known for his party dresses and this is a beautiful example. The fabric is textured and embossed. It is a strapless style with a heavily boned bodice and a nipped waist. The waist is pleated and the bodice is sheer ivory fabric with a lace trim. There is a built in crinoline to give the dress structure but I have also shown it with an extra crinoline. The dress has a metal side zipper with a hook and eye. The shawl has tasseled ends.

Source: eBay

1940s lime green Fred Perlberg dress with beautiful buttons down the front and a sheer ribbon bust.

The ebay listing says it’s a 1950s dress but it reminds me of the dress in the 1940s ad featured further up in this post. Happy to be corrected if I am wrong.

1940s Fashion (maybe 1950s?): 1940s lime green Fred Perlberg dress with beautiful buttons down the front and a sheer ribbon bust.

Source: eBay

“Holiday Red” like in another vintage ad featured above. Stunning 1950s Evening Gown with a full skirt and lovely pleated details. Beautiful.

1950s Fashion: A 1950s Fred Perlberg Evening Gown-The dress is a gorgeous red color with spaghetti straps and a pleats off the shoulder sleeves/bertha collar that has a sweet little bow at the center. The bodice is fitted and it has a basque waistline. There are pleated swags on the sides and the skirt is wonderfully full. The dress is ballerina/ankle length and is unlined.

Source: Etsy- WoldsVintage

1950s dress with a fitted bustier boned bodice and a super full circle skirt with fantastic orange swirls on the fabric. A wonderful summer dress!

I am IN LOVE with this dress, but sadly I would not fit in it. But someone should buy it and then show it off to the world!

1950s fashion: a 1950s sundress, strapless by Fred Perlberg featuring orange swirls on the fabric and a full circle skirt.

Source: Etsy-VINTAGEVAVAVOOMZ

1940s dark mauve moire taffeta dress. The dress is unique, featuring side bustles with faux flower bouquet (closeup photo below) and rhinestone embellishments. The dress also has matching, open arm band gloves.

1940s Fashion: A Fred Perlberg 1940s dark mauve moire taffeta dress. The dress is unique, featuring side bustles with faux flower bouquet and rhinestone embellishments. The dress also has matching, open arm band gloves.
1940s Fashion: A Fred Perlberg 1940s dark mauve moire taffeta dress. The dress is unique, featuring side bustles with faux flower bouquet and rhinestone embellishments. T

Source: eBay

1950s or 1960s emerald green satin fabric with a fitted bodice and full skirt, Fred Perlberg dress. Bodice is completely boned for support and ends in petal-like points of fabric at bust.

1950s or 1960s emerald green satin fabric with a fitted bodice and full skirt, Fred Perlberg dress. Bodice is completely boned for support and ends in petal-like points of fabric at bust.

Source: Etsy-NostalgiaVintage2

1940s Fred Perlberg silk taffeta evening dress. Once again the cap sleeves and bust area is what stands out in the design of this dress.

1940s Fashion: 1940s Fred Perlberg silk taffeta evening dress with cute sleeves.

Source: Etsy-OffBroadwayVintage

Looking for a “Little Black Dress”? This 1960s Fred Perlberg dress with decorative buttons would be perfect.

1960s Fashion: A Fred Perlberg 1960s dress. Black dress with decorative buttons down the front. Perfect "Little black dress".

Source: eBay

1950s elegant ivory silk chiffon halter gown with large flowers on the fabric. What a statement dress!

1950s Fashion: A 1950s Fred Perlberg elegant ivory silk chiffon halter gown with large flowers on the fabric.

Source: Etsy-GlennasVintageShop

Question Time: Have you heard of this fashion Designer? Do you own a Fred Perlberg piece? What dress did you love above? Share any thoughts about this post in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz


Jan
2023

Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Ceil Chapman

categories: Vintage Fashion, Vintage Fashion Designer

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