Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Purple Print Rayon 1930's Dress






From the seller:

Adorable genuine vintage 30's dress, in great shape for wearing, no visable flaws, it is just not mint due to tiny flaws here and there on very close scrutiny, but nothing noticeable from normal nearby standing distance. Very flattering, a slinky rayon fabric that clings and drapes beautifully. It's a small size, see measurements below. Striking purple and green flower print with brown swirls, on a mottled cream background. Loose, drapey cap sleeves are set into bodice in a nice design detail; subtle smocked gathering at waist with darts above, to allow for draped fit in front. Front gathered peplum with black border, over flattering gored A-line skirt. The dress is a classic 30s silhouette just like the old movies. Front neck comes to small "V", back neck keyhole closure with two loops-and-buttons. Side metal zipper works great. This dress was bought by me in 1971 at an upscale Pacific Heights vintage shop in San Francisco on Fillmore Street.

The small flaws I notice are: The two buttons at back neck likely need replacement, the fabric is discolored on one and worn off on the other. There are a few tiny pinpoint size snags in the fabric here and there, only noticeable very close up; there are a few faint discolorations here and there, again only noticeable very close up, and any such minimal discolorations in the fabric blend in easily with the busy-ness of the print. There are pin pricks in some places around the skirt bottom where the hem was lowered in the distant past, not noticeable unless very close scrutiny, or the skirt could be re-hemmed over it, because it falls quite low, below mid-calf. There are likely small past sewing repairs here and there. From any near distance the dress is in perfect condition, and I am pointing out any tiny flaw I can find to avoid any surprises whatsoever. This dress is in really excellent, sound over-all shape, especially for its age over 75 years, and has more decades of nightlife fun and wear left in it.

Measurements: armpit to armpit 17"; waistline side to side 14" (both previous measurements can stretch a bit bigger); back neckline to hem 44".


From Me:

I first thought this was another late 80's/early 90's trying to pass as 1930's, but it isn't. Notice the print on close up and the detail of the buttons in the back. In the late 80's/early 90's, they would have had a zipper going down from the keyhole in the back of the dress. Plus, I do believe the seller bought this in 1971 which would make it impossible for it to be from a later decade. ;-)

No comments:

Post a Comment