Dan Werle launched his label just after the end of World War II and by the 1950s he was dressing Hollywood starlets on a regular basis. He designmany of the looks worn by Loretta Young for her TV show 'The Loretta Young Show' that ran from 1953 to 1961. She often launched her show wearing one of his designs and it was that publicity that made his label thrive. His work tended to stay on the more simple side but they were still striking. You get the feeling that he made pieces for women to be able to wear over and over without tiring of them or made things that were to outlandish.
I absolutely love the cut of this dress. It is made out of a brilliant blue silk and the colour is breathtaking. The choice of this silk gives it just enough structure to hold the shape but still keeps the dress light and comfortable to wear. That fabric choice mixed with the soft billowing cut that it has gives it feeling of high drama. The bodice is cut to skim over the torso and the neckline is extraordinary. The dress is meant to be worn off the shoulder for a bare expanse of skin to show across the top of the shoulders. The line there is set on a curve so that it dips down at the front and back into a V. This is then edged with a little matching silk ruffle all the way around the top for the prettiest detail. The sleeves are unlined and are cut to be extremely full and wide so that they billow out to just past the elbow and above the elastic at each cuff. The bodice is cut to skim over you and the waist nips in. The dress comes with a matching long wide sash that you can use to cinch the waist in even more. The skirt is very long and full. It flows to the floor in a cascade of silk. I have shown it without any underskirts but you could easily add a crinoline if you wanted even more fullness. Pockets on each hip. The dress has a fantastic romantic feel but is still sexy and beautiful. Excellent condition.
The bodice is lined in a matching silk, the sleeves are unlined and the skirt is lined in a pale blue organza. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. A small faintmark on the skirt lost if folds. Each cuff has elastic. Has its original matching sash belt. Hand finishes.
Sleeves: 19"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: open
Bodice: approx 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD4319
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
