This is a Magnificent, late 1920s, drop waist, Art Deco, flapper dress. Perfect wearable condition and ideal for a wedding or for the mother of the bride.
By 1929 uneven hems were all the rage and the intermission hemline on this stunning flapper dress was the height of fashion.
The skirt is longer than those of the mid 20s when skirts were at their shortest and interestingly, curved scalloped hems (like the one on the under dress, see photo #5) were a favorite feature of late 1920's dresses.
Longer sheer and semi sheer top skirts were also worn over shorter linings. This dress follows that fashion and is two pieces. The under dress is 39 1/4" from top seam to bottom and is gently scalloped all around the hem. The outer dress is 42" from the middle back to the hem in front and 48" from the middle back to the hem in back.
The bodice of the inner dress is the same sheer chiffon as the outer dress and is designed to fit directly under the lace panel of the outer dress creating the illusion of a deep see-through lace V, accentuated in back with exquisite, breathtaking ribbon work. There are no seams in the "V". The photos make it appear that there are only because the dress is really too large for the model.
The slender flat-chested, tanned body and face of a 15 year old became the desired silhouette of the bright young things of the 1920s. It was a difficult time for the former matrons of Edwardian society, the previous leaders of fashion whose style of dressing became as passé as their rounded figures and older faces. More youthful women who could party all night and carry the boyish fashions well were all the rage and likely one of them wore this magnificent confection.
The beautifully executed and extensive ribbon work on the outer dress is in perfect original, as found, condition. The colors are all bright and the work is well attached. The giant bow in the back is made from one continuous piece of 7 1/2" wide aqua ribbon. The only flaw is one tiny pinhole 4" from the bottom in the middle (if you squint you might see it).
Due to the fact that most dresses from this era usually went over the head (the zipper had yet to be used for clothing), it does limit the size through the shoulders. Both the outer and under dress have a multi snap side closure. The outer dress opening is 10 1/2" in the right side beginning 2 1/2" below the armhole. The inner dress opening is 12 1/2" on the right side beginning at the open armhole. Convo for details and more photos if you wish.
The dress has no rips or tears but it would benefit from a good professional cleaning from a vintage specialist. Please DO NOT attempt to launder this vintage item yourself.
It is in unbelieveable, vintage wearable condition.
The model is a tiny size 0, 5'6", with no bust and the dress is a bit large on her. I believe it is a size 2 to a small size 4.
The measurements of the outer garment LAID FLAT are:
Underarm to underarm 15" stretching to 16" without strain - total 30"- 32"
Waist 14" stretching to 15" without strain. - total 28"
I would say a B cup size.
The shoulders are on the narrow side.
The neck opening is 12" at the widest part.
The fabric on the outer dress and the bodice of the inner dress is a gauzy silk chiffon (I believe, I am not a fabric expert) and the body of the inner dress appears to be silk charmeuse.
There is one 1/2" round stain I believe will come out when washed. There are perspiration stains under the arms. They may be difficult to remove but only serve to prove that this dress has done the Charleston ALL night long.... I wonder if she got her first kiss in it?
I have more photos of this dress for serious buyers.
International Buyers – Please Note: All international shipments over $40.00 will require Priority International Flat Rate shipping for a charge of $16.95. Items under $40.00 will ship as First Class International and I will adjust the invoice accordingly to a shipping fee between $4.00 and $7.00 based on weight. Please consider these shipping requirements before you decide to bid. Import duties, taxes, and charges and INSURANCE are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. Also please be aware that customs can delay the delivery of your package. I will always ship immediately but do not have control of delivery time once your package leaves the United States.
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