1930's Molyneux Haute Couture Black Lace Winged Sleeve Bias-Cut Gown

An incredibly rare and absolutely gorgeous Edward Molyneux black leaf-motif lace bias-cut gown dating back to the mid 1930's. This breathtaking museum worth black dress was a custom commission by Eleanor Jerusha Lawler Pillsbury. After a period working for the British fashion designer Lucile, Molyneux opened his fashion house in Paris and became known for his "never too rich or too thin" idle slim "refined at the edge of outrageous" look, frowning on superfluous decoration. He firmly believed in simplicity; subtle in color and perfect in cut. Molyneux dressed the likes of Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Margaret Leighton, and Vivien Leigh. His followers included Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain.
This exceptional beauty is fashioned in the highest quality black leaf-motif lace patterned lace with her original under slip still attached. I love the dramatic winged cut sleeve design which is really ahead of it's time. sleeve that flows into a large-scale side bow. The full-length trained skirting has complex couture pattern work insanely hard to do on bias-cut fabric. Eleanor Jerusha Lawler Pillsbury was also six-feet tall so this stunning dress is also very long. Extravagant garments from the 1930's remain a perennial favorite, perhaps because no other period combined such opulence with such effortless elegance. A rare slice of fashion history that will instantly become a favorite in your collection.

Measurements (varies due to bias-cut)
Bust: 31-33 inches
Waist: 24-26 inches
Hips: up to 35 inches
Total Length: 63 inches (not including train)

This mid 1930's Molyneux haute couture gown is in excellent unaltered condition with no stains or fade. Slips on over the head with hand-set side metal closures. Hand-stitching throughout. Only signs of age are some breaks to the leaf motif lace throughout and age wear to the original label.