Iconic rare unlabeled Mam’selle by Betty Carol late 1950s black cocktail dress with fitted wool bodice, drop waist and puff ball skirt created with 17 taffeta fins.

It has a V-neckline front and back with princess seaming creating a fitted silhouette through to the lower waist. It then flares into a rounded puff ball skirt covered in silk taffeta vertical 'fins' around its circumference. It’s truly a marvel of construction! The skirt has a stiff interlining so the skirt holds its shape and can take the weight of the fins. The fins are secure and well attached and the dress has some weight to it because of them. The dress bodice is lined, but the skirt portion is unlined. The fins can be as is, which are flat or steamed to be more puffed up. Metal back zipper.
Incredible museum worthy piece of fashion history.
Dress DOES NOT have a label but it’s clearly the same design as the well documented dress. About a modern XS, size 2 but please check measurements. Overall, very good vintage condition. Some areas of the taffeta have some minor stains and nicks, check photos.
Approximate flat measurements:
Armpit to armpit: 16.5”
Waist: 12.5”
Hips: 16” right where fins start
Length: 39”