1950s Sophie Gimbel Little Black Dress

Sophie Gimbel was a true powerhouse. In the 30s and 40s she was the head of Saks Fifth Avenue's famed Salon Moderne, the equivalent to Saks couture. The boutique brought in the most important styles of the times, but the crown jewels of the shop were always designed in house by Sophie under the label Sophie of Saks (later Sophie Originals). Her day dresses started at $255 and evening gowns sold in the $1500 range. In 1947, that was quite a bit of dough.
This little gem is a true classic. It is just as fashionable now as when it was made in the early 1950s. It is made from the finest jet black silk jersey, and it is lined in beautiful silk charmeuse. The bodice is beautifully fitted, with the graceful batau neckline and sweet little sleeves. The skirting crosses over in the front so it is open from the waist down. The open area has a very wide overlap, so you have freedom and movement, but there is no fear of flashing. The most striking part of the dress is the beautiful velvet trim. The velvet ribbon was folded and sewn to create the double diamond pattern. This was all hand done and sewn directly to the dress. It must have taken hours to produce this detail.. nothing less than what I would expect from a Sophie cocktail dress.

condition: excellent. there are tiny belt loops but no belt remains. I imagine it was a simple black velvet ribbon.

No size, fits like a 6-8
. Bust 36"
. Waist 28"
. Hips 38"
. Length 42"