MarilynGlass.com

1950's couture gown

Stunning 50's Italian Custom Couture dress from Stop Senes, fashioned of rich royal purple duchess satin and lined in silk organza. Strapless corset boned bodice gives way to a gathered bouffant ball gown skirt heavily supported beneath with stiff tulle crinoline with further reinforced support by horsehair hemline. Back zipper closure. Provenance: Mrs. Henry Hohler STOP SENES was a Roman Boutique, popular in the 1950's in Via Veneto. They bought clothes and fabrics by Dior, Givenchy and later YSL, to be reproduced. A favorite place of Roman high society, they chose dresses and gowns from Stop Senes for important official functions and events. Stop Senes was headed by Madame Anna. The head tailor was Antonio Peschini, nicknamed Trottolino. He made dresses of his own creation and also of French design which he adapted to the size and taste of the customer. Provenance: Mrs. Henry Hohler wife of British ambassador Henry Hohler. British Ambassador, Henry Hohler in 1956 was Minister in Rome, hosting an unofficial visit from the Queen in 1959. In 1960 - 63 he was ambassador to South Vietnam. In 1963 he was posted as first minister in Paris. After retiring in 1970, they moved from the ancestral home of Long Crendon Manor in Buckinghamshire to America, where he lived at Gloucester, Virginia. Condition: excellent; could use a cleaning or freshening as it has been in storage for quite a long time. measurements: Bust: to 34"; waist: 26"; length: approx. 52" for further information