This early 1950s velvet dress is an incredible example of formal evening wear from the 1950s by Ray Hildebrand and also features the retail label Tula of Windsor. It is made from a thick forest green cotton velvet and is beautifully panelled on the torso with a thin piped waistband and panelled A-line flared skirt. The skirt has 2 rows of glass and diamante buttons that flare outwards from the waist. The dress fastens to the rear with the original concealed metal zip and two beautifully attached bows to cover the fastening poppers at the waistline. At the top of the neck, it has a V-necked lapel collar and short cap sleeves. The dress has been stiffened with calico fabric and the bodice is lined with a quality cream acetate.

It presents extremely well and for its age and is verging on excellent vintage condition. The bodice has been let out along both the side seams but this has been done professionally. It is also quite possible to reverse this if necessary. There is a small amount of very narrow fading along the shoulder seams. Due to the colour of the dress and the fact that the velvet has a sheen, it is difficult to detect when worn. The zip fastens well, and all diamantes are present on the buttons. There is one or two slight areas of tonal variations in the fabric, possible from a spilt drink towards the bottom hem but again these are very difficult to see when worn. Good cocktail dresses from this era are getting increasingly hard to source and this is a robust and wearable model that will last for years to come.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 35 in. (88.9 cm)
Waist - 26 in. (66 cm)
Hip - 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Length - 43 in. (109.2 cm)
Shoulders - 16.5 in. (41.9 cm)