Late 1950s

Woman's Cocktail Dress and Capelet

The design flair of Norman Norell was combined with Anthony Traina's business acumen to form the firm of Traina-Norell in the heart of New York's garment district. Although technically ready-to-wear, the deluxe quality of Traina-Norell clothing incorporated many characteristics of French haute couture, as seen in this ensemble. Norell's simple silhouette accentuates a small waist, setting it off with lustrous ribbon and stiffening the matte lace skirt throughout with synthetic horsehair. The matching tailored capelet, also interlined, features Norell's signature round neckline and large buttons.