1950s Does 1930s Embellished & Beaded Satin Dress

  • $134.00
    Unit price per 


At first sight, you could be excused for assuming this dress has just stepped out of the early 1930s; VV Dolls have certainly been fooled! On closer inspection, this is a magnificent cocktail dress crafted in the 1950s in a 1930s design. Almost certainly hand-made and possibly modified over time, it still presents beautifully.
The foundation of liquid charmeuse satin, resembling luxurious silk, is weighted yet lustrous. An illusion panel, flaunting lace overlay, plunges into a deep V (encrusted with glistening bugle beads, sequins and colossal jet hexagonal stones) that reaches down to the waistband. In the rear, the waistband curves tantalisingly, finished with a petite rounded lace trim bustle and displaying regal Downton Abbey vibes. Long sleeves, adorned with fine lace and sequin trim cuffs, are grown on from the bodice, giving us some flexible bust room. The dress is finished with a long back lapped metal zipper. Much of this dress has been stitched by hand and all of the embellishment has been hand sewn.

Condition

Good condition with some issues. There are a couple of nibbles/tiny holes dotted on the back of the bodice and two within the beading area where some of the beading has come loose. All of them are 2mm or smaller in size. There are a further 2 areas where the beading is loose. Our in-house tailoring team decided not to undertake additional work on this dress so as not to comprise the original design, however the fabric is strong and solid. The issues on the back could be hidden by more beadwork if desired or filled in using invisible mending techniques from the back of the dress. The small issues on the front embellishments are really not noticeable at all when worn but can be easily replicated.  All these issues are considered minor in a dress of this age and calibre but have been considered in the price, though this remains a rare size find.  We can quote for additional restoration/repairs if desired. Please contact us to discuss. 

Measurements and details
All vintage clothing is measured with the garment flat and measurements doubled for width. Please compare these measurements to a garment that fits you well as often there is very little or no give in vintage fabrics.

Bust: 43-46 inches
Waist: 39 inches
Hips:  42 inches
Sleeve length: 24 inches
cuff circumference: 7 inches 
Length from shoulder to waist: 18 inches
Length from waist to hem: 30 inches

Fabric: satin rayon, lace, glass beading, jet buttons & sequins

Alterations: There is approximately 1/2" useable allowance in the seams and 2" useable  hem allowance.