Mingolini-Guggenheim Ballgown and Evening Coat

Very elegant, very sophisticated, but oh so sexy, this beaded black velvet ballgown and matching mink trimmed evening coat are from the wardrobe of an American Beauty Queen.

Designed by the Italian firm Mingolini-Guggenheim in Rome, she wore this to the Opera House LaScala in Milan. The coat and dress worn together are an elegant ensemble. Remove the coat and the ballgown beneath is a showstopper.

The strapless dress has a boned bodice, covered in pearls, sequins, rhinestones, and bugle beads. This beadwork also adorns a panel at the top of the skirt, and bugle beads, rhinestones and pearls radiate from this panel the full length of the skirt in front, and on both sides. The ingenious construction of the skirt allows for the unbeaded back portion to be quite full, with an elegant train.

There is a metal zipper at the center back, the bodice and skirt are lined in white satin, and the hem is faced with black satin. The dress is in pristine condition.

It might be missing a bead or two, certainly nothing that is obvious. I say this as a precaution more than anything else. 

The matching velvet coat is a stunning design. It is cut narrow in the front to match the lines of the dress. The simple style is collarless with no closure. The drama comes from the luxurious white mink cuffs. The sleeve opening is a generous 12", but the minks cuffs are an opulent 28" long for added glamour. The back of the coat is full, a cape effect, to accommodate the trained skirt of the ballgown. Lined in black satin, the coat is in pristine condition.