Vintage 1950s Nelly Don Day Dress

Fabulous Nelly Don dress from the 1950s with its original tags! Lavender purple paisley print, button front, matching belt, elastic waist. Made of rayon viscose. This dress is in excellent condition, it has never been worn.

Tag size is a vintage 14. Measurements are approximate, taken flat and then doubled where necessary.

Bust - 38 inches
Waist - 26-32 inches
Hip - 40 inches
Length from shoulder to hem - 42 inches
Belt length - 33 inches
Sleeve length - 9 inches
Sleeve circumference at gathers - 14 inches

Fabric Content: Rayon Viscose
Garment Care: Professional Dry Clean Only

History:
Designer Nell Donnelly opened the Donnelly Garment Company in 1916 making dresses for housewives. She believed if women felt good about themselves they would feel good about their housework. She was a pioneer in women entrepreneurship. She was so wealthy in the 30s, she was kidnapped along with her chauffeur and later rescued from her kidnappers by the Kansas City Mob. She was sought out by the War Department in the 40s to design the women's uniforms, which she ultimately manufactured for the military at cost, earning no profit. She treated her employees so well they collectively rejected the ILGW Union efforts and won a court battle against them. Nell Donnelly Reed lived to be 102 years old.