Documented 1960s Sybil Connolly 'Cream Puff' Extravagant Sleeve Dress

Sybil Connolly pieces are very rare things to find and this particular dress is extra special. When we did our research on it we found the original illustration that Connolly did from The Hunt Museum in Limerick, Ireland. The sketch included the name that Sybil gave to this particular design. The Hunt Museum in Limerick, Ireland has a large collection of her sketches and the original sketch for this piece, named 'Cream Puff' is one of them. The notes that accompany the sketch state: A full-length dress with a centre seam running from neck to hem. There is a round, plain neckline. The sleeves are fitted to elbow and then flare out with bias cut fabric lined with lace. There is a bow detail at the end of the sleeve where the bell-like cuffs are attached.

Sybil Connolly was known for creating Haute Couture from Irish textiles, particularly finely pleated Irish linen, but she also worked with textiles like the silk that makes up this dress. She held her first major show in 1953 and launched her couture label in 1957. Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy were clients and her dresses were highly sought after. The dress is as described in the museum notes above, but with additional layers of silk organza set inside those extravagant sleeves. The added layers of black silk are finished with hand rolled edges and made of a fine, semi-sheer silk organza. Four full layers of this silk has been hand cut and placed inside the sleeves so that when you move you get this remarkable effect that combines color, texture and volume. The color of the body of the dress is remarkable color - a hand dyed pink salmon that is bright and true. The shoulders and upper arms are cut slim and then dress widens as it nears the hem. Really a fantastic gown and highly collectible. Excellent condition with one note to review below

Lined in a fine pink silk and closed with a back painted metal zipper. Written tape tag that has faded but seems to hold the fabric content (silk) and perhaps the date and name of the dress but it is very hard to decipher anymore. Hand done throughout. Note that there is the slightest overall mottling of the color. The silk is hand dyed and I expect that this is a natural patina. It does not appear to be a flaw, nor are there any areas outstanding - its a very subtle overall effect of natural aging of this particular fabric. The color is slightly more vibrant in person

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2664

Reference Photo: Photocopy of design sketch, "Cream Puff", by Sybil Connolly from The Hunt Museum.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.