1950s Carolyn Schnurer silk dress (fair condition)

Description

A piece of fashion history. From Carolyn Schnurer’s “Flight to India” resort collection, a 1950/51 beautiful low/bare back dress. Cap sleeves, fitted bust and waist. Bodice lined with a white cotton muslin, side metal zipper.

A dress of the same fabric is in the MET collection, see photos. Included is a photo advertisement for this line provided by the MET. According to the MET, “The textile, custom-made for the collection by S. Edwards, features rich colors, metallic pigment and bold patterning that were likely inspired by the mirror work embroidery of the Kutch region of Gujarat in northwestern India, an area that Schnurer was particularly intrigued by during her travels. The bare-backed bodice is an adaptation of the chaniya choli traditionally worn by Kutch tribal women, a style which became prevalent throughout India in the late 1940s.” [https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156155?rpp=90&pg=1&rndkey=20150808&ft=*&what=Costume&pos=52]

label: Carolyn Schnurer

condition: Dress is freshly cleaned, but has condition issues and is being sold as-is. Checked for any issues like stains, holes and loose seams. The fabric is worn and faded, the gold ink is wearing off. There are several frays, many of which have turned into small holes, mainly along the hem and lower part of the skirt. There is a frayed hole at the front side waist right where the waistline meets the zipper. Fraying along zipper and sleeve edges. See last photos for close-ups of issues. Last photo is right along the skirt hem. A couple loose seams, hem is loose in spots and there is a cutout of fabric along the interior hem (not visible while wearing), probably to make a repair to the dress. This dress has been in the repair pile for some time – the plan was to back the frays on the skirt and sleeves with interfacing and patch the fray at the waist. Dress should be worn with care.

measurements [flat]
size xs
bust: 36”
waist: 25”
hip: full
length: 46” from top shoulder seam to hem
skirt length: 31”
shoulder to shoulder: 15”
sleeve length: 6”
arm opening (circumference around): 16” around
cuff opening (circumference around): 12” around