Description
An original late 1930s or early 1940s deco evening dress and slip in soft black floral lace. The dress features short cap dolman sleeves, small shoulder pads, a front V neckline, gathering under the bust along an inverted V seam, deco chevron seaming all down the front, and a bias cut, tea length skirt that is softly gathered and slightly longer on each side than in the centre of the front and back. The bodice is deco seamed down the front to a straight waist, and smooth in the back with a slight inverted V seam at the centre back waist. The dress has a silver metal left side zipper at the waist that is slightly stiff but works well, and a back keyhole opening with a tiny covered button and loop at the back neck. The lace fabric is fabulous with a light weight and unusual silvery slubs scattered in a pattern around the dress, and it floats on the breeze. The dress is beautifully designed and made, but any label that may have been in the dress has been lost over time. The dark charcoal grey slip is also bias cut with a narrower profile, a matching V neckline, ribbon straps, darting through the waist for fit, and a slightly flared skirt with a band of lace at the hem. The slip may not have been made for the dress as the floral lace pattern at the hem of the slip is different than that of the dress, but it is a good match and came to use with the dress. The deco design of the dress, small shoulder pads, the early silver metal zipper and the bias cut date the dress to the late 1930s or very early 1940s. The measurements (approximate) of the dress and slip are as follows:
dress
bust (pit to pit) 36"
waist 28"
low waist seam 32"
hips 36"
shoulder to hem 47" (front and back centre) to 52" sides
slip
bust (pit to pit) 38"
waist 30"
hips 38"
shoulder to hem 46"
These measurements are roughly equivalent to a modern US size 8-10, but the measurements do not correspond exactly to modern sizing. Please review the measurements carefully and compare them against a dress that fits you well to ensure a good fit. There is significant stretch to the fabric of both the dress and slip because of the bias cut. There are no fabric labels in either the dress or the slip, but I believe the fabric of both pieces is either rayon or a rayon-silk blend. There are no major condition issues with the dress that I could find, and no issues at all that I could find with the slip. However, these are vintage garments that are at least 65 years old, and there may be some minor signs of age related wear. The rayon lace fabric of the dress is both strong and soft, and resilient - it stretches easily. There are no underarm stains or other issues, but there is some minor fade on the dress on the left shoulder and in a couple of other spots - the dress could be dyed again to eliminate this issue but I would leave that decision to the new owner. There are two small breaks in the lace at the lower back that have been repaired - probably where the dress was caught in something, and there may be the odd broken bride here and there but not that I could see, and the minor repairs are lost in the dark colour and backing of the dark slip. The dress is clean and fresh (although I did not launder it - it has been steam-cleaned), in excellent condition except these few minor flaws, and ready to wear to your 1930s or 1940s dressy event. A lovely dress for an outdoor venue because of how it floats on the breeze. Picture the dress with gloves (not included) and a wide period platter hat as shown (not included - see our other listings). This is NOT a reproduction or a cheap offshore imitation - this is an all original 1930s or 1940s evening dress featuring a classic deco design and a lovely soft floral lace in very nice condition. Accessories not included.
Because of the delicate nature of antique clothing, and because of prior abuse of our return policy with these types of items, we no longer able to accept returns on antique garments and accessories. Please read the description carefully, enlarge and view the photos in detail which form part of our description, and ask any questions before purchasing.
Another amazing, original 1930s, 1940s deco seamed black lace evening dress and slip, only from Belle Jardiniere Mode. Scroll across to see all the photos as they are part of the description.
