Lot 113: Norman Norell | Satin Champagne Colored Cocktail Dress

A 1950s champagne-colored satin cocktail dress designed by American designer Norman Norell, labeled Traina-Norell, no marked size. 

A romantic evening champagne-colored satin cocktail dress with a structured bust, fitted waist, and hips that go into an open full skirt. Exceptionally made, defined lines, a high scoop neckline, a tailored bodice, and a basque waist emphasize the volume of the skirt. The back of the gown has a zip closure that stops below the shoulders with a v-shaped neckline at the back, the back of the bodice blousons slightly and then goes into a fitted waist. The Dolan cap-sleeve has a gathering at each shoulder allowing the back between the shoulders and waist to remain loose. The dress is labeled Traina-Norell New York, with no marked size.

Norman Norell like many American designers adapted sportswear techniques to evening-wear attire, mixing ease and sophistication. For this particular design, while it is feminine with its full skirt, the Dolman sleeve and loose back of the bodice allow for more range of motion, similar to sportswear designs.