When Jeanne Lanvin died in 1946 her daughter took over the business and ran it herself for a couple of years before hiring Antonio del Castillo in 1950. During his time as head designer for the house, the labels bear the name Lanvin-Castillo. He departed in 1962 which gives us a neat little window of time that he worked within. This set has the boutique label but that label is numbered and the interior is finished to couture standards. I think it was most likely a  custom order placed through the boutique that was made in the couture studios based on the level of finishes.

The set is gorgeous. It is made from a deep gold colored velvet that instantly give is a rich feel. The top is sleeveless and scooped at the front. Vertical seaming give is a fitted feel and it is cut to nip in at the waist. It is meant to be worn tucked in and the long exposed zipper, done on the couture manner to leave no bump under the skirt, is what tells us that it was meant to be worn that way. The neckline is finished with a beautiful hand applied border of gold metal filigree cut out, faux pearls and gold beads. The skirt has that same beading detail and this is done in wide borders that surround the unusual slit pockets that sit towards the center of the front of the skirt. This picks up and balances the neck detailing perfectly and add a touch of high glamour to the piece. The skirt has a deep inverted front pleat running down the center for volume. The two together are gorgeous and typify that Old Hollywood, glamour that this decade was so well know for. Excellent condition with a couple of tiny notes below

Both pieces are fully lined in a matching silk. The top closes down the side with a painted metal zipper and the skirt snaps to close down one side. Perhaps the most minor of marks to the velvet here and there where the beading pressed in to if from being folded in storage but this is to be expected with the age of the pieces. These will soften as its hung properly. It looks like the hooks on the waist may have been moved at some point to make the waist a touch bigger. Where the corners of the arm opening meet there is the teeniest of nick to the velvet on each side. Please review the photo after the label shot. The interior is made to haute couture standards and appears to be all hand done with hand finished curved couture seaming. The label is numbered but it is very faded. 

Top
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3352

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