Castillo Bergdorf Goodman 1951 Evening Gown

C

Carmel Murphy

Registered Guest
I am hoping for some advice. I am a novice to vintage clothing, but have found the love of my life in vintage.

I have a Castillo evening gown (see photos of the two labels) and am confused. The handwritten label clearly says 1951, but this is the time he was at Lanvin. How could this be possible?

The gown is in good to very good condition. The inside crinoline is very grotty, but that is the only major thing. It needs a good dry cleaning as there are dirt marks on the hem. There are no perspiration stains, rips or tears. The gown closes on the side with a metal zipper, plus hook and fabric eye.

I have an Etsy store, from those with far more experience than I, should I want to sell the gown, in your opinion, would this be the best way to go about it?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Carmel
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Many designers worked under different contracts and labels at the same time. For example Jacques Fath did a line in the U.S., and Dior did numerous lines at the same time all over the world. I suspect Castillo had an arrangement with Bergdorfs, which was how most, if not all, designers sold their clothes in the U.S. at the time rather than through branch shops. It's a great dress.
 
Jonathan said:
Many designers worked under different contracts and labels at the same time. For example Jacques Fath did a line in the U.S., and Dior did numerous lines at the same time all over the world. I suspect Castillo had an arrangement with Bergdorfs, which was how most, if not all, designers sold their clothes in the U.S. at the time rather than through branch shops. It's a great dress.
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Thanks for your expert opinion. I've bought all your books and found them a great resource.
 
Bergdorf's sometimes ordered garments from couture houses for clients; then when they came it BG fine-tuned the fit. The Met used to have some Givenchy toiles, but I think they have been deaccessioned.

The Bergdorf label indicates that's the customer who bought it and when. It's a stunning dress.
 
Thank-you Carmel - that is nice to hear. Claire Schaeffer is more accurate in her response - Bergdorf's were like the brokers. Some other stores sold French couture as well but Bergdorf's was the largest purveyor. If you want to read up more about how it worked, Couture and Commerce by Alexandra Palmer outlines how French couture was sold in Toronto in the 1950s, but the process was the same for reselling couture in New York.
 
Jonathan said:
Thank-you Carmel - that is nice to hear. Claire Schaeffer is more accurate in her response - Bergdorf's were like the brokers. Some other stores sold French couture as well but Bergdorf's was the largest purveyor. If you want to read up more about how it worked, Couture and Commerce by Alexandra Palmer outlines how French couture was sold in Toronto in the 1950s, but the process was the same for reselling couture in New York.
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Thanks, I am keen to learn all I can and will track down the resource you mention.
 
Just wanted to say oh my that is so beautiful. Whenever I see vintage like this I always wonder what special occasion it was worn. Thank you.
 
Castillo is a favorite of mine.

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