Striking bright red "New Look" cocktail evening dress by Suzy Perette! This dress is classic 1950s, with a midi - length hem that falls at the calves, thin straps, and a square neckline. The bodice features ruching down the front, that tapers around the waist, creating an optical illusion that cinches the wearer's waist. The dress has a slight trumpet silhouette, with the bodice extending downward, fitted at the hipbones, and accented by a red ribbon bow. The full skirt of the dress is magnificent, and includes thick, belt - like detail at the back, recalling the voluminous dresses of the Belle Epoque, a time period of small waists and big skirts that had significant influence on 1950s fashion.
Suzy Perette was an American company that licensed French designs and created them stateside, usually selling them at more reasonable costs. Their most famous pieces included Christian Dior’s “New Look” silhouette, featuring a cinched waist and full skirt. Suzy Perette was crucial in introducing American women to the marvels of French fashion, and doing so at an affordable cost that allowed the wearer’s to look like chic Parisiennes without having to go on a transatlantic trip!
