eBay

Martha Phillip's Couture Beaded Bubble Dress

1950s, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in Miami

sleeveless pink satin fitted drop waist bodice, red and pink floral beading and tassel trim

deep V back, center back metal zipper, hook and eye

fully lined bodice, bra secure snaps, hang straps

fuchsia satin bubble skirt, partial pleat front, deep pleated flounce back

double layer stiff crinoline attache, hook and eye

from Women's Wear Daily:

"....Known simply as Martha to those in the industry, and Miss Martha to her employees, she carved strong relations with many of the world’s top designers and built a loyal clientele that included top socialites and show business personalities.
Bill Blass, Adele Simpson, Norman Norell, Mary McFadden, Halston, Arnold Scaasi and Oscar de la Renta were among the designers featured in her stores.
She is credited with launching Valentino and a number of other European designers in the U.S. She spotlighted such names as Yves Saint Laurent, Gianfranco FerrA, Laura Biagiotti, Krizia, Fendi, Mila Schoen, Hanae Mori, Zandra Rhodes and Andre Laug. She was one of the first buyers to scout Europe, starting in the Fifties when she brought back couture clothes for specific customers...."

For additional info about this influential and renowned high end retailer, cut and paste the following articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/10/nyregion/martha-phillips-98-a-force-in-luxury-fashion-retailing.html

https://wwd.com/feature/article-1129067-1770699/

https://www.lloydklein.com/single-post/2016/07/11/the-last-doyennes-of-couture-eponym-no-04

Label: Martha Palm Beach Miami Beach New York

ILGWU (50s era)

The fabric is untested but is probably silk satin

Size: unlabelled, measures like a 10/12

Flat measurements:

across bust: 19

across waist: 14.5

shoulder to waist: 15"

waist to hem: 23"

shoulder to hem: 38"

*dress clipped 3-4" for fit on mannequin measuring bust: 34" waist 24:"

condition: very good

-faint fade spot on skirt front 10" below waist on wearer's right

-water mark and 2 pale spots on back of skirt 5" from hem on wear's right

-a few spots of tassel bead loss, most evident near zipper top and across bottom of bodice

-dress presents well despite these minor and not readily noticed issues