1930s Hungarian dress or newer?

[lapoubellevintage]

Hey guys!
This dress has me a bit stumped. At first look, I assumed it was a '30s Hungarian peasant style dress but upon closer inspection it just feels too "new" to be from the '30s if you know what I mean. The condition is just too perfect, although some of the details do feel authentically '30s to me. I'm wondering if this style of dress was made later, possibly in the '70s? Or maybe this is just a well-done repro. Some details about the dress: The fabric is a very lightweight woven cotton with (I believe) hand-embroidery and details. There is a snap panel at the side as pictured and single buttons at the sleeves and at the nape of the neck. The inner construction is definitely machine sewn as is the hem.

Would love to know your thoughts, thanks everyone!

 

[Pinkcoke]

Can you see any brand markings on the press studs/snap fasteners? and what is the decoration creating the harlequin pattern shaded areas? is that cut outs, embroidery or metal strips woven in? Some further photos of this would help.
The flowers/embroidery chosen do not strike me as typical choices for a Hungarian garment.
I can tell you I have similar hand smocking on a 1930s apron that I don't think travelled far from England. I wonder if that chain pattern nearest the waist can be attributed to a particular country or era.
I do think it was a tourist piece. The embroidery appears to be machined (except the french knots).

 

[pastperfect2]

It does look 30s, with the side snap and hook closure. But this one may be hard to tell without having it in hand.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree that this is the sort of thing that you can feel the age when holding.

A couple of notes:

• the embroidery is machine sewn and points to a more modern style as '30s versions are generally hand sewn.
  
• The "harlequin" diamond shapes are hand sewn smocking.
• Is that a side opening we can see? That suggests earlier but I agree that the metal fittings look more modern. They could be replacements though.
• Can you show us a pic of the centre back neck opening and the button please.
  
• How are the hem and seams sewn? I would expect French seams and a hand sewn hem if it was earlier.
• If you provide the measurements, that will help determine dating as '30s originals tend to have a larger waist in proportion to bust, compared to modern styles.
• The bodice features drawn-thread work - also called pulled threads, open work and faggotting.

All things considered, I think you have a '70s or more modern '30s revival style although the side opening with snaps is an anomaly - but not unheard of.

 

[lapoubellevintage]

Thank you all for the detailed responses! Yes, there is a side opening with snap closures and two hook and eyes. There are no markings at all on the snaps and the hook and eyes don't appear to be original as the thread is a slightly different color than that used in the rest of the dress. The hem is definitely machine sewn although the inside seams are indeed French. It's very well-constructed actually. As for measurements, the waist is 30" around and the bust is 40" around. I also attached a picture of the back keyhole with button.

 

[Catbooks1940s]

this one is a puzzler. by the photos, i was ready to go with late 30s to 40s, except for your saying it feels considerably newer. seeing the button on the back neck, definitely not 30s. the button looks typically 50s and 60s. i'm inclined to go with 50s, but still, you're saying it feels much newer, so i'm not sure.

 

[lapoubellevintage]

Hey Joan!
I wouldn't doubt that it's '50s or '60s, it just doesn't quite have that '20s or '30s feel to it, if you know what I mean.

 

[Catbooks1940s]

hello lapoubelle! okay, then i'm going with 50s. the side opening with the snaps and hooks and eyes would have been a dated construction technique by the 60s.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Thanks for the extra details - the button does indeed look modern, actually the whole opening looks more modern. The measurements are not '30s, they could easily be '50s.

I still feel it's more modern than that but I'll accept '50s as a date on this one.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Is that button real mother of pearl/shell or imitation plastic? If you can show the front without the shine, and the back (a real one is layered like flint) it would help. I agree with Nicole the button looks a lot newer, much like those I see on dresses from the 90's or later.

 

[Catbooks1940s]

it looks like a plain rimmed white plastic button from here, which were commonly used in the 50s and 60s.

 

[Jonathan]

These are often mistaken for being made in Eastern Europe, but period magazines and catalogues often refer to them as 'Manila' dresses because they were made in the Philippines. This one looks early 30s to me.