Champagne Chiffon Beaded Dress

Dress, formal length, champagne color silk chiffon. Bodice is decorated with silver crystals and beads, concentrated at waistline and gradually diminishing over the bodice. Chiffon wrap-around stole neckline with 48-inch tails. Long chiffon sleeves with concentration of crystals and beads at wrists. Center-back zipper. Spaghetti straps at shoulder support bodice lining. Empire waistline has a fully-lined quarter-circle chiffon skirt.

Norma purchased the gown at Seattle's Fredrick Nelson Department Store. She and her mother shopped there when they were poor, but were only able to look then. As her career progressed, she needed fine gowns such as this for concerts and solos on the Lawrence Welk Show. She enjoyed returning to Seattle to buy things that she once was only able to admire. This dress was worn by Norma during the early 1970s for her featured solos on the Lawrence Welk Show. Norma Zimmer performed on the Lawrence Welk Show for several years before being officially named the "Champagne Lady" in 1962. Norma is still known today as the "Champagne Lady."

Donor:Norma Zimmer
Circa:1970s
Accession:1994.12.01
Inventory:1023

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Department of Apparel, Design, and Hospitality Management

College of Human Development and Education

Department of Apparel, Design and Hospitality Management
Site Manager: Susan Curtis
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Published by North Dakota State University
Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection
NDSU, Family Life Center, Room 414
NDSU Dept. 2610
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Phone: (701) 231-8604 Fax: (701) 231-5273