Ceil Chapman (1912–1979) was an American fashion designer who worked in New York City from the 1940s to the 1960s. She created glamorous cocktail and party dresses, and worked with celebrity clients including television and movie actresses.
Fashion designs by Ceil Chapman in the 1940s and ’50s
After two years of college, Chapman obtained a position in the workroom of a large Fifth Avenue store in New York. Within three years, she was made head of the studio, staying for eight years. Around 1940, she was involved in a short-lived business called Her Ladyship Gowns, formed with Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt and her sister, Thelma Furness, Viscountess Furness.
Chapman patented numerous designs between 1954 and 1960. Take a look at these stunning photos to see her fashion designs in the 1940s and 1950s.
Inga Lindgren in a fine-ribbed corduroy suit with a short jacket, balloon sleeves and snug cuffs, the skirt has well-placed pleats, by Ceil Chapman, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1946
Model in tropic print evening dress over a ruffled petticoat by Ceil Chapman, photo by Serge Balkin, Vogue, December 1, 1946
Catherine Murray (young associate Vogue editor) in ankle-length evening dress of rayon taffeta by Ceil Chapman, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, August 15, 1947
Débutante Sheila Ross in white organdie dance dress with a little frilled cape by Ceil Chapman, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, May 1, 1947
Dorian Leigh in a covered-up dress of rayon-taffeta decorated with slivers of jet by Ceil Chapman, green opaque stockings by Gotham and green satin shoes by Evins, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, September 1, 1947
Leave a Reply