THE wedding gown designer from the 1950s to the 1970s, Cahill’s designs graced the cover of every bridal magazine and even appeared in “The Graduate’s” infamous wedding scene. With its romantic off-shoulder bodice and lean, narrow silhouette, this gown is a departure from his earlier styles, which typically featured full or half sleeves and frothy skirts. Together with the modest semi-cathedral train, the result is a refreshingly modern gown despite its being over four decades old.
White sleeveless wedding gown with elastic off-shoulder Bertha collar and tiers of inset lace and accordion pleats around bust, hips, hem and train; lace trim at natural waist. Rear nylon zipper closure with hook and eye at mid-back; fully lined in white acetate. Two sets of interior hanging loops and hidden bra-keepers at shoulders.
fabric: nylon, acetate
noteworthy: dry clean only
alterations: replaced elastic at Bertha Collar
condition: very good with some extremely faint yellowing around perimeter of some inset lace (see photos)
measurements:
neckline opening: 35” around (unstretched, 40” around (fully stretched)
Bertha collar: 47” around x 8 ¼” deep
bust: 36” – 38”
waist: 26”
bodice length: 15” from shoulder, 7 ½” from underarm
hips: 46”
skirt length: 42” from waist in front, 70” from rear waist in back
total length: 57” from shoulder in front, 85” from shoulder in back
sweep: 240”
label: William Cahill (California)
size: no size tag present; comparable to modern size small or street size 2-4 due to waist