1950’s Edith Small Navy Silk & Rhinestone White Tulle Strapless 'Petal' Dress w/ Shawl

This rare Edith Small navy blue silk taffeta & rhinestone embellished white tulle full skirt 'New Look' dress with matching shawl is a perfect example of why we love 1950's fashion. Founded in Los Angeles in 1945, Edith Small built a respected California label devoted to sophisticated occasionwear for affluent socialites and accomplished professional women. While she never achieved the international recognition of contemporaries like Adrian or Irene, her work reflected the same impeccable tailoring, luxurious imported textiles, and beautifully constructed looks that earned her a devoted clientele from coast to coast.

Executed in rich navy blue silk taffeta, this dress balances elegance with playful couture detailing. The clean strapless neckline is supported by a fully boned interior bodice that sculpts a beautiful hourglass silhouette. From the waist, rounded silk 'petals' cascade over the hips and skirt, each separated by delicate self-tie bows that create one of the dress's most memorable design elements. It closely resembles a Pierre Balmain gown from 1955 that also includes a coordinated tulle shawl. Meanwhile, the petal motif recalls Charles James' celebrated 1951 "Petal" gown, suggesting Edith Small interpreted the era's most influential trends for her discerning clientele. The skirt is every bit as enchanting. Four airy layers of white tulle float over an ivory silk foundation, while an attached petticoat provides the wonderful volume expected of early 1950s 'New Look' dresses. Tiny metal-prong rhinestones are scattered across the outermost tulle layer, catching the light with every movement and giving the skirt a subtle, starlike shimmer. Remarkably, over 70 years later it is accompanied by the original matching tulle shawl, edged in the same navy silk taffeta binding and finished with bows at each corner. Whether destined for a museum-worthy collection or worn to an important party this archival ensemble transcends fashion trends, offering the kind of chic elegance that never goes out of style.

This special 1950's Edith Small designer dress set is in beautiful condition for its age with no noticeable rips, holes, stains or missing rhinestones. Perfectly working side metal-zipper in place. This is a wearable investment piece that will only go up in value.