Thursday, October 2, 2014

1920's Mint Green Dress













From the seller:

TRUE VINTAGE 1920'S BEADED GREAT GATSBY CHARLESTON FLAPPER DRESS ~ S/M
Museum Worthy Exquisite Authentic True Vintage Flapper dress.

The gown is sheer and lightweight, possibly made of Georgette, Crepe de Chine, or Mousseline de Soie.This diaphanous green evening gown was designed to absolutely shimmer and glow in the ambiantly lighted ballrooms of the 1920s. This gown was not from Sears and Roebuck. It looks to be made from the sort of fine, carefully chosen fabric and exquisite detailing of an important designer. The front detailing could showcase just the right necklace, and perhaps was designed to. It may have come with a matching cloak and shoes. A sparkling diadem and a dazzling fan of egret feathers would make appropriate accessories. This gown could have been created by Paquin, Lanvin, Soeurs, Chanel, or Worth. This is a spectacular evening gown of the mid to later 1920's. It should be preserved. Just beautiful.

Typical style of the 1920-30's Prohibition era: this is a boxy shaped beaded shift which pulls over the head and is heavily beaded with lots of pizazz. I wouldn't say the condition is perfect (there is some light staining and missing beads which could easily be replaced) but it's a show stopper all the same. The base color is a pastel Lime Green w/Silver + Pearl & Rhinestone Beading.
Freshly laundered.
A stunning example of an era gone by.

The model in wearing this dress is a size 36/24/36
~ MEASUREMENTS (laying flat and across) ~
SIZE: S/M
Chest: 19"
Waist: 19"
Hips: 19"
Length (shoulder to hem): 39.5"
Span of fabric at bottom hem: 64"
MATERIAL: feels like a delicate but sturdy cotton)
COLOR: Pastel Lime Green w/Silver + Pearl & Rhinestone Beading


From Me:

I'm headdesking over here. First, if you are going to be so dumb as to wear an antique dress, at least have the respect enough to wear a slip (I C UR Underwear!) to protect the dress from oils and sweat (particularly sweat as the acid will eat at the fabric). Second, what indication is there that it came from an "important designer"? I really don't like keyword spamming...

It is a pretty dress but with the missing beads, stains, and the probable further damage from wearing it, it ain't museum worthy. Sorry.

2 comments:

  1. Why do people keep wearing fragile and irreplaceable antique garments?? Do they think they are indestructible? I don't understand!

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    Replies
    1. I know I did like many costumers in the beginning because I thought if the fabric felt strong after a tug or two, it must be strong. I recalled reading reports of people digging up ancient mummies and stealing their clothing so the fibers must be okay as long as they feel okay, right? Or so the logic went. The problem is, of course, you can't always see the level of decay in the fibers with your naked eye. A couple of twists of the arm or sitting down/getting up and you end up wearing rags because of the once microscopic deterioration of the fibers is now quite noticeable.

      It's the reason I'm now so against wearing them - been there, done that. And there is no reason for more innocent garments to be lost because of someone else's ignorance.

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