This rare and beautiful 1930s dress is an striking example of why I love this era of fashion history above all others: such unique and whimsical dressmaking!! Dress is made of an orange-red (or red-orange) slightly stretchy crepe rayon. It has stunning juliet sleeves (my favourite!!) and was created to give the illusion of the dress actually being a two-piece waist-coat-style jacket and skirt set, when in actual fact, the "jacket" is attached at the shoulders to a scoop-necked under-dress. This allows the front buttons of the high-necked ruffle lace trimmed "jacket" to be worn open or closed! Another distinctly 30s detail: attached buckle belt that is deliberately designed to fasten in back! Side metal snap & hook-eye placket, small button-loop closures on sleeves. Front centre inverted pleat (above which is a lovely line of contrast stitching) and two back skirt inverted pleats as well. All in all, this is a phenomenally wonderful vintage dress!!
Approximate Measurements of dress (in inches):
Bust: 33-34 at rest, but did stretch to 35.5 on mannequin (though not with belt fastened fully)
Waist: 24-25 (with back belt fastened--waist did stretch to fit 26.5 of mannequin, but back belt not fully closed due to current placement of hole & snap (could move snap and add new belt hole to accommodate slightly larger waist size)
Hips: 34 at rest (did stretch to 36 on mannequin, but once again, as shown on mannequin, belt was not closed fully)
Length: 42
Shoulder seam to shoulder seam: 13
Cuffs: 6"
Condition Notes:
Structurally, this dress is in very very good condition--the only things holding it back from being perfect would be 1) a vertical repair line at back right of skirt (see last image); a small pinhole at right shoulder, and some wear to the fabric covering the back belt buckle. Aesthetically speaking, the garment is also doing really really well. On close inspection, I noted: slight antiquing to collar lace, the slightest hint of color variation along top shoulder line (which my camera could barely pick up), a couple of spots on the crepe fabric (possibly water marks?). On the whole, this beauty is in lovely and wearable condition. Price reflects the scarcity, beauty, & wearability of the garment, as well as the above noted points (in fact, I've seen dresses like this go for much higher in worse condition than this, so I'm selling at a bit of a deal in comparison to many sellers in the Etsy marketplace). Like all items in my shop, this item is sold AS IS, as a final sale with no refunds, exchanges, or in-shop credit. Therefore, please ask all questions and request any extra photos prior to purchase. Please note that dress has been handwashed by me and is therefore fresh and ready to wear!
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