Amazing black silk 1950s dress by vintage clothing company Nat Kaplan. It has a gorgeous collar tie feature. There are three large round covered silk velvet buttons at centre front. The sleeves are dolman style 3/4 length and have an inner elastic sleeve feature. The bodice is pleated at the waist and crosses over at front to close with hooks and snaps. The skirt is straight cut with some gentle pleating at the waist and two faux pocket details at front. There are chain stitch belt loops at either side of waist. There is a Conmatic metal side zipper to close the skirt. Bodice is lined.
COLOUR: Black
MATERIAL: Silk Faille
LABEL: Nat Kaplan New York.
Nat Kaplan inc. was a dress manufacturing company established by Nathan Kaplan around 1935. He was a member of the Fashion Originators Guild in the 30s. His company made moderately expensive RTW, at a few hundred dollars per dress mid-century. Their dresses were mostly conservative, meant for wealthy ladies who lunch, and impressively tailored. Originally mostly using silk, they relied heavily on synthetics by the 70s, as did most fashion companies at the time. The prices remained just as high.
After his death in 1956, his wife Sylvia and son Richard continued with the business for another 30 years, with Sylvia as designer. They created a division called Kappi. The company closed in 1986.
In 1991, Richard created another women’s line, the Worth Collection. He passed away in 1996.
MEASUREMENTS:
✂--- Allow for some ease.
Bust: 37 in. (94 cm)
Waist: 24 in. (61 cm)
Length from waist to hem: 25.5 in. (65 cm)
CONDITION: There is a 2" rip on the bodice above the side zipper. A number of marks on the right sleeve. A small pink mark on the collar/ tie, probably from make-up.
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