Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18

Important 1950's Emilio Schuberth Italian Couture Under The Sea Motif Satin Gown

About the Item

An important and absolutely magnificent Emilio Schuberth Italian couture ocean aquatic motif ivory satin gown dating back to 1951. A Met Gala worthy look! This breathtaking dress was custom-made for Italian costume designer Marcella Rossellini who was married to one of the most prominent directors in Italian neorealist cinema, Roberto Rossellini. Emilio Federico Schuberth (1904-1972) was a famous Italian fashion designer, called the "Tailor of the Stars", whose work was loved by many international celebrities such as Princess Soraya of Iran, Rita Hayworth, Ingrid Bergman, Bette Davis, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. His clothing highlighted la bella figura, the Italian feminine ideal of "sensuality, grace, and love of leisure,” which was a popular aesthetic during the mid century and often seen in Italian cinema from the postwar-era. His popularity as a designer grew starting around December 1948 when his fashion was displayed alongside French designer Christian Dior at Casino de la Vallée. Eventually this exposure lead to international buyers. As a master of Italian fashion, it's no surprise his students included Valentino, and Roberto Capucci. This gorgeous example of his work is fashioned in luxurious ivory silk satin with aquatic biological inspired velvet appliqués in pink, blue, marigold and moss green. This impressive novelty "under the sea" appliqué work must have taken months to complete. I especially love the sparkling metallic embroidery and hand painted coral buds. The elegant slight sweetheart strapless bodice has intricate corset style boning throughout to help keep the perfect shape. This gown was even exhibited at Fondazione Mondragone Napoli, Mueso del Tessile e dell-Abbigliamento back in 2004, and is also forever featured in the book "Lo Spettacolo della Moda". A museum worthy gown that would make an epic red carpet or bridal look. Measurements Bust: 33-34 inches Waist: 25 inches Hips: Free Sweep Length top to waist: 10.25 inches This Emilio Schuberth Italian couture designer dress is in beautiful condition for age. Perfectly working back hand set metal-zipper and original bodice boning in place. Only signs of age are some wear to the silk appliqués and minor surface spots by the lower hemline. Please message for detailed pictures. An investment piece that will continue to increase in value.
  • Dimensions:
    Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)
  • Style:
    1950s (Of the Period)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful museum worthy gown.
  • Seller Location:
    Beverly Hills, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU30920429942
More From This SellerView All
  • Vintage 1930's Floral Garden Silk Bouquet Appliqué Couture Old Hollywood Gown
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    The breathtaking rich red and maroon watercolor deco floral print used on this late 1930's silk gown has a striking allure that I find irresistible. The elegant bodice has a low plun...
    Category

    1930s American Wedding Dresses

  • Archival 1994 Vivienne Westwood Pinstripe Wool Jacket and High-Low Trained Skirt
    By Vivienne Westwood
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    An important, well-documented and highly coveted Vivienne Westwood black pinstripe light weight wool two-piece ensemble dating back to her iconic 1994 'Café Society' spring-summer collection. As shown Susie Cave walked the runway in this sensational skirt! Vivienne Westwood is one of the most influential and recognizable British designers of the past 40 years. She began designing clothes in 1971 with the opening of her first shop, Let It Rock, at 430 King's Road. In 1976, her then lover and business partner, Malcolm McLaren, guaranteed her status among the stars when he dressed the Sex Pistols, the British band he managed, in clothes from the boutique. She was named British Designer of the Year, both in 1990 and 1991. The following December, she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to British fashion and in 1998 she won the Queen's Export Award. This ultra chic ensemble from Vivienne Westwood’s sensational 1994 Café Society spring-summer collection is a clever play on traditional male suiting and a perfect example of her genius. Café Society is a retelling of how European history has shaped women's fashion. The central question of this show asked what does a woman free from restriction look like? Although this show is filled with historical fashion references, Westwood subverts them by placing it on a new canvas, a liberated woman. Made from a luxurious light-weight wool, the pinstripe reads masculine yet the cut has an ultra feminine allure. The blazer features a flattering curved petal cut waist and lean, long sleeves. The gold buttons are etched with the iconic Vivienne Westwood logo orb. The matching high-low trained skirt is a statement piece in it's own right. It could be styled with many other pieces like a corset or crop top for a totally different vibe. It is constructed to nip at the waist and cascade down in an incredible high-low waterfall trained hemline. I love how it almost resembles a deflated Victorian bustle...
    Category

    1990s English Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1965 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Beaded Green Silk Chiffon Caftan Gown
    By Pierre Cardin
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Spectacular Pierre Cardin haute couture designer silk chiffon gown, in the prettiest emerald green color, dating back to their 1965 collection. In 1951 Cardin opened his own couture house and by 1957, he started a ready-to-wear line; a bold move for a French couturier at the time. The looks most associated with Cardin are the collections of the 1965-1970, which made some of the most futuristic clothing...
    Category

    1960s French Evening Gowns

  • 1990 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Documented Runway Silk Strapless Dress w/ Shawl
    By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Chanel is known to be one of the most luxurious and decadent fashion houses in the world. This gorgeous sapphire-blue and black cocktail dress ensemble, dating back to Fall/Winter 1990, is a perfect example of why this couture brand has stood the test of time. Not only is this little number very alluring; it is so versatile and timeless. The bodice has the most beautiful shelf-bust strapless design. I love the sculpted bow-tie! This figure flattering garment accentuates the bust, skims the hip and flows in such an elegant way. The matching shawl takes the concept of a cocktail dress to new levels! Our iconic ensemble captures the essence of style: elegant, comfortable and practical. As Coco Chanel used...
    Category

    1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage 1950's Evelyn Brown Couture Sage Green Silk-Satin Ruched Cocktail Dress
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Such an elegant and timeless 1950's cocktail dress from the Evelyn Brown Washington D.C designer label. Perfect for any upcoming party; you can't help but feel feminine in this beaut...
    Category

    1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

  • Vintage Missoni Psychedelic Silk Chiffon Beaded Cut Out Mini Dress w/ Tags
    By Missoni
    Located in Beverly Hills, CA
    Beautiful 2009 Missoni designer runway dress with tags that retailed for over $3,000 when new. Redefining an entire genre of fashion, Missoni launched to fame as the boho chic trends...
    Category

    Early 2000s Italian Mini Dress

You May Also Like
  • MORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S Crystals
    By Morphew
    Located in New York, NY
    MORPHEW COLLECTION Lilac Silver Antique Silk Lamé Gown With 1930S Crystals MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from arou...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

  • Runway Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989 Lipstick Red Rayon Jersey Strapless 80s Dress
    By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
    Located in San Diego, CA
    Sensational vintage YSL Rive Gauche spring / summer 1989 runway lipstick red rayon jersey strapless 1980s dress ! The same dress was featured on the runway in black. Sash at side wai...
    Category

    1980s French Cocktail Dresses

  • Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white striped train
    By Roland Klein
    Located in Austin, TX
    1980s Roland Klein black strapless dress with black and white train. Acetate fabric. 34" bust, 26" waist, 40" hips, 48" front length - 54 1/2" ba...
    Category

    1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

  • Black see-though lace on a tulle base Christian Dior
    By Christian Dior
    Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
    Black see-though lace on a tulle base. Zip in the middle back. SIZE 36 (Fr) 4 (US)
    Category

    Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

  • Matthew Williamson Navy Blue Smocked Waist Detail Embellished Neck Sleeveless Dr
    By Matthew Williamson
    Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
    When you feel like looking fantastic, pick this dress from Matthew Williamson. This sleeveless outfit exudes modernity and elegance with its beautifully embellished neck and interest...
    Category

    2010s Italian Evening Dresses

  • Vivienne Westwood Nude Satin, Black Lace and Velvet Corset and Skirt, FW 1996
    By Vivienne Westwood
    Located in London, GB
    ▪ Brand: Vivienne Westwood Gold Label ▪ Creative Director: Vivienne Westwood ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1996 ▪ Fabric: Black Lace, Nude Satin ▪ Details: One-shoulder corset top adorn...
    Category

    1990s English Evening Dresses and Gowns

Recently Viewed

View All