Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17

Vintage 1930's Bette Davis Owned Old Hollywood Sheer Beaded Silk Couture Dress

About the Item

An important and museum worthy Bette Davis owned elaborately beaded and rhinestone studded sheer black silk dress dating back to the mid 1930's. As the star of The Little Foxes (1941), Now Voyager (1942), and All About Eve (1950), Bette Davis was one of the biggest names of the classic Hollywood era. She was not your typical leading lady, often playing outspoken and even unsympathetic characters. She won the Best Actress Award for both Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938) and was the first thespian to accrue ten nominations. In 1977, Bette Davis became the fifth (and first female) recipient of the Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. The award is given to a performer “whose work has stood the test of time.” This beloved icon, with her instantly recognizable heavy-lidded eyes, had a career that spanned almost 60 years. Not only does this important slice of celebrity history come with official certificate of authenticity, it's truly one of the most gorgeous 1930's dresses I have ever seen. The entire garment is fashioned in 'light as a feather' sheer black silk chiffon that has been lavishly embellished with impressive beadwork and prong-set rhinestones that form an elegant floral motif. This sophisticated style of hand beadwork takes months to complete and can only be found in the highest level of couture. The matching sash belt is very figure flattering while the flowing swing skirt is so playful. My best guess is the couture label with her client information was placed in the underslip which is now long gone. The true wearable art yet reads so incredibly modern. This is such a breathtaking, beautiful museum worthy piece of fashion and celebrity history that will instantly become a favorite in your collection. Measurements Bust: 34 inches Waist: 29 inches (belt used to make smaller) Hips: up to 40 inches Total Length: 45 inches This one of a kind Bette Davis owned couture custom made dress is in beautiful condition for age with no stains or alternations. After close inspection we found some very tiny holes to the silk which are hardly noticeable when worn. Please message for detailed pictures. Extraordinary attention to construction and couture detail. Perfectly working original neck snap closures in place. An investment piece that will only continue to increase in value.
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 45 in (114.3 cm)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 27 in (68.58 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
  • Style:
    1930s (Of the Period)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. beautiful and rare piece.
  • Seller Location:
    Beverly Hills, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU30919839912
More From This SellerView All
  • Rare 2005 Roberto Cavalli Large-Scale Floral Silk Bustier High-Slit Gown & Shawl
    By Roberto Cavalli
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    A highly coveted and breathtakingly beautiful Roberto Cavalli colorful large-scale floral print silk bustier floor-length gown and matching shawl dating back to his 2005 spring/summe...
    Category

    Early 2000s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Beaded Gunmetal Silk Bustier Dress
    By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    An absolutely stunning and highly coveted Christian Dior gunmetal grey beaded silk chiffon bias-cut bustier dress dating back to John Galliano's 2006 fall-winter collection. John Gal...
    Category

    Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1920's Magenta Pink Beaded & Rhinestone Silk-Velvet Flapper Deco Dress
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    A simply stunning and seldom found magenta pink heavily beaded silk-velvet dance dress dating back to the mid-1920's. Vibrant colored flapper dresses from this decade are perennial f...
    Category

    1920s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1950's Irene Lentz Couture Teal Green Draped Silk Grecian Goddess Gown
    By Irene Lentz
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    An incredibly ethereal and ultra rare Irene Lentz custom couture vibrant teal green silk chiffon goddess gown dating back to her 1958 collection. Irene Lentz stunned the world in th...
    Category

    1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1940's Harry Cooper of Hollywood Ivory Sequin Chiffon Halter Bridal Gown
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Ethereal Harry Cooper designer ivory-crème gown dating back to the 1940's Old Hollywood era of glamour. Definitely something Lana Turner or Veronica Lake ...
    Category

    1940s American Wedding Dresses

  • Vintage 1990 Givenchy Haute Couture Sapphire Blue Draped Silk Velvet Dress
    By Givenchy
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Givenchy, the name itself evokes glamour, refined elegance, simplicity and style. Givenchy's trademark of sculpted lines and luxurious fabrics make his work easily recognizable. This gorgeous cocktail, dating back to his 1990 Fall-Winter runway collection, is a beautiful example of his brilliance. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; liquid silk velvet in the prettiest sapphire blue color. I adore the seductive criss-cross plunge bodice with lean, long zipper-wrist sleeves. The sparkling rhinestone-encrusted side buttons create the perfect amount of drama to this timeless piece. An hourglass nipped-waist skirt with side draping finishes this garment off with a perfect femme fatale vibe. It is an exquisite example of wearable luxurious from one of the most important houses of the modern era. Measurements Bust: 36-37 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: up to 39 inches Sleeve Length: 24 inches Total Length: 46 inches This vintage Givenchy Haute-Couture 72436 numbered dress...
    Category

    1990s Cocktail Dresses

You May Also Like
  • Vintage 1960's cream silk beaded dress original 1960's wedding dress UK 12 Us 8
    Located in Cheltenham, GB
    A vision rendered in a truly embellished fashion, this original vintage 1960's cream wool silk dress, embellished with silver glass beads, pearlescent beads, gold beads and silver cl...
    Category

    1960s Cocktail Dresses

  • Vintage 1940's Pink Silk Evening Dress Beaded Pearl Floral Dress UK 8 Us 4
    Located in Cheltenham, GB
    A beauty to behold. This original 1940's pink silk dress, embellished with trailing silk threaded soutache embroidery depicting blossoming flowers, surrounded by pearlescent beaded d...
    Category

    1940s Unknown Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1960's yellow sequin beaded cocktail dress wiggle dress UK 12 US 8
    Located in Cheltenham, GB
    This breathtaking 1960's yellow knitted wool dress, embellished in its entirety with clear iridescent sequins, and finished with floral beaded details in yellow rocaille beads, and i...
    Category

    1960s Cocktail Dresses

  • Chanel 13P Spring 2013 Wool Tweed Runway Sequins Faux Pearl Dress 38 New
    By Chanel
    Located in Merced, CA
    Chanel runway tweed sequins dress from Chanel spring 2013 runway dress adorned with Cc logo buttons and faux pearl.
    Category

    Mid-20th Century French Shift Cocktail Dresses

  • EMILIO PUCCI vintage silk long dress 60s
    By Emilio Pucci
    Located in Rubiera, RE
    Emilio Pucci Long pink long dress Vintage 60s Fantasy on pink background; adorned with crystals and beads. Fully hand finished, double lined. 100% silk The size label has been cut. L...
    Category

    1960s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

  • 1980s Dimitri Kritsas long black dress
    Located in Milano, IT
    1980s Dimitri Kritsas long black dress with wide shawl neckline and low cut back. Rounded high slit in front with fitted long sleeves. Evening dress Size: M Waist: 88 cm Length: 14...
    Category

    1980s American Evening Dresses

Recently Viewed

View All