.. This dress is labeled Blums Vogue - Chicago, which was the shop where Chicago's elite would shop to get the latest Paris fashions. Like many high end American shops, Blums bought patterns and licence to copy the famous designers like Dior, Givenchy and Balenciaga. This little beauty I believe was patterned by Balenciaga as it shows many of his trademark elements.

.. the fabric is rich, woven wool that is very sculptural and crisp. It is lined in black silk, and the skirt is further stiffened with nylon "horsehair" mesh at the hem. The dress has the feel of fine French couture.

.. The design of the dress is really a marvel. The neckline is an exaggerated sweetheart that actually becomes a V. There are two darts at the breasts that serve to create the look of princess seams that then travels down the front of the dress. You could consider it an empire waist, but its actually only 6" from dart to dart that give the look of a empire waist, but after the princess seams the waist area is smooth.. that is until you get to the back. There the waistband is a bit lower, and is finely tucked and pleated. The huge plastic buttons are unmistakably a Balenciaga touch.