1960s Norman Norell Black Satin Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU228214550222
Norman Norell
The signature details that characterize vintage Norman Norell evening dresses include classically tailored silhouettes, feminine round necklines and tenderly applied beading, carefully inspected both inside and out. Pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe wore many of Norell’s classic dresses over the years. And as a young model for a Seventh Avenue clothing manufacturer, screen siren Lauren Bacall liked to scour the racks of Loehmann’s with her mother, looking for the odd piece by a famous designer like Norell.
Norell began his career in his early 20s, designing costumes for Paramount Pictures and Brooks Costume Company, as well as for esoteric vaudeville productions. The theater remained a major source of inspiration throughout his career. Often drenched in beads or sequins, a material that remained readily available despite wartime restrictions, his show-stopping mermaid gowns, a marriage of glitz and simplicity, harken back to the days of vaudeville. He continued to design these gowns until the end of his life.
Raised in a family of haberdashers, Norell was long-influenced by the cuts, fabrics and details of traditional menswear, and he sought to incorporate those concepts into his designs. In 1960, at a moment when women were not yet wearing pants to work, he made waves when he presented his then-controversial wool flannel culotte suit. Some years later, he designed a black dinner suit with a bow-tie, beating Yves Saint Laurent to the punch, and later still, he conceived a feminine version of an aviator jumpsuit.
A creature of habit, Norell stuck with many of his classic designs throughout his career, but he continued to experiment with avant-garde ideas for evening garments. This was perhaps most vividly expressed in his wild coats, runway crowd-pleasers adorned with ostrich feathers or massive red and pink flowers.
A fan of a full dirndl, Norell made skirts that ranged from delicately creased to voluminous balloons, and he frequently paired these with pleated blouses or tight turtlenecks. One of the first designers to incorporate traditional elements of sportswear into his evening attire, a typical Norell evening gown was divided into three separate colors: one for the top, one for the skirt and one for the sash. And vintage Norman Norell gowns are inherently versatile — they’re as modern today as they were decades ago. The little black dresses that Norell designed offered similar flexibility. Perfectly simple and sexy are the round necklines, which Norell introduced to declutter his dresses and allow for a more modern look.
Norell was the first American designer to have his name on a dress label and on a successful fragrance. He possessed a refined elegance and a quiet audacity that he expressed through timeless, wearable pieces boldly embellished with luxe trimmings. His work would come to redefine the American ready-to-wear industry and earn him the nickname the “American Balenciaga.” He received the inaugural Coty Award for womenswear and was the first designer inducted into the fashion industry critics’ hall of fame.
Find vintage Norman Norell day dresses, suits, jackets and other clothing on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1980's Zandra Rhodes Black Velvet And Gold Fringe Cocktail DressBy Zandra RhodesLocated in Toronto, OntarioBlack velvet Zandra Rhodes cocktail dress from the 1980's. The long sleeve, high neck dress has an intricate gold thread embroidered mid section that finishes with a fringe along the...Category
1980s British Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Givenchy Black 2 Piece Wrap Set with FringeBy GivenchyLocated in Toronto, OntarioStunning Givenchy 2 piece set from the 1980s. Black polyester with wrap style with large sash at waist that can be tied to your liking. Long fringe trim at wrists and hem. V neck. Ex...Category
1980s French Maxi Dress
- 1960s Black Lace Cocktail Dress with BowLocated in Toronto, OntarioBlack 1960s lace drop waist cocktail dress with the label Anita Modes. The sleeveless dress has a full black lace overlay with an added hem detail. Large bl...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1980's Gianni Versace Black & Yellow Linen DressBy VersaceLocated in Toronto, OntarioGianni Versace circa mid 80's shaped black linen dress with vibrant yellow insert detail on capped sleeve. In crisp like new condition. Fitted through the waist, sleek shoulder lines...Category
1980s Italian Mini Dresses
- 1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt DressBy ValentinoLocated in Toronto, OntarioAmazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada. Top is black chiffon with a pussy bow tie, sheer bishop sleeves and delicate ruching at shoulders. Jet blac...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1960's Jean Varon Black Jersey Gown With PeplumBy Jean VaronLocated in Toronto, OntarioGorgeous black jersey gown with peplum by English designer Jean Varon from the 1960's. The gown has a boat style neckline and does up the front with ...Category
1960s British Evening Gowns
- Louis Feraud Vintage Circa 80's Velvet DressBy Louis FeraudLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLouis Feraud vintage circa 80's eggplant velvet dress with sashCategory
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roger Freres Black Lace and Green Silk Taffeta Gown-10-Circa 70'sBy Roger FreresLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRoger Freres Black Lace and Green Silk Taffeta Gown - Sz 10 - Circa 70's Additional Measurements: Bust 40" Waist 30" Shoulder to Shoulder 16" Sleeve length 25" Length 59"Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- Vicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44. This beautiful dress is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous black lace over a white nylon blend, a built-i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Floral Detail On Back - 42By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Organza Floral Detail On Back - 42. This special gown is in excellent condition. This dress features a purple silk taffeta material...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Carolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4By Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4. This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It is short sleeved and has side ruching with rhinestone buttons ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oscar de la Renta Black and Red Silk Chiffon Dress with Lace - 10 - NWTBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Oscar de la Renta dress is black with a red underlay. It is made of silk chiffon and lace and has a black ribbon around the waist. This dress is in excellent condition and still...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns