Skylark

We all know that Ceil Chapman designed dresses that loved the female form, but did you also know that there was a line of her designs that are part of Spadea Patterns American Designer series?
The above pattern is an example of Chapman's "skylark" silhouette, which she used in more then one collection and in several fabrics as well.
The shoulder baring collar drapes over the bust and stands up in the back while the slim fitting skirt echos the draping across the hip area. Two full skirt panels are attached over the slim skirt and are designed to bring to mind the movement of a bird in flight.

This pattern is available for purchase at Sew-Retro Vintage Patterns here.

Back to Vintage...Ceil and a Wedding

Ceil Chapman:


50's "Sabrina Look" Wedding Dress



I never use live models so it was interesting to see these dresses on a real body. The wedding dress would not go on any of my mannequins, but did fit my friend like a glove.
What was really amazing was how sexy she looked in the Ceil.
She is very thin and, well, not that well endowed, but the dress made her look like she had an hourglass figure.
It is a testament to what a well designed dress can do for you.
Both items are available at Damn Good Vintage and linked above.

Weekly Pattern(s)

This week I am featuring both a pattern and pattern book from the estate of a woman in LA who was a clothing designer in the 1940's. Both are auctions from oncillakat who told me she will be listing more interesting patterns from the estate all week.


My GOD is this not an awesome Ceil Chapman design?
No the normal draped look, but instead a sexy, tailored number that can be worn for both a dinner date or cocktails.

The other item is a "Patterns by Originator" catalog.


Oh, I noticed she also has a great 1930's McCall pattern catalog too.

And now shameless self-promotion time, nothing as awesome as the above, but I am pretty partial to this Modes Royale pattern:

Ceil Chapman, 1948

Vintage Ceil Chapman dress:

"Back gathered dinner dress (shades of skirt shapes to come), cut just over the ankle.
Of dark blue twill silk; Ceil Chapman."

Vogue, 1948

Vintage Ceil Chapman

July, 1954