1940s Harlene Original Dress - Worth Getting Fixed?

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

Alumni
I picked up this dress which I believe dates to the 1940s. I found a dress by this maker sold by Christies referred to as a couture label (however, I have no idea). As you can see the dress has some issues and needs repair work. I have an expert tailor but I am just trying to decide if it is worth getting fixed. There are no rips at random spots on the dress only to the seamwork - does that help in making the repair easier? Would I be better off selling as is and marketing to a vintage seamstress? Trying to figure out if I can recoup what I think could be a decent investment in fixing in the sale price. I realize you can't provide pricing advice but I am more just wondering in general if you have thoughts on whether worth it or not.

Am I right on 40s?

I love this dress and would be a shame to toss aside. My investment to date is very very very minimal.

Thank you all!
Maureen

100_2287.jpg


labele.jpg


zipper.jpg


bodice.jpg
 
This reminds me of being a girl guide, on a summer camp in the 1980s (bear with me here). We were putting a final evening 'on stage performance' on in the village hall (village in middle of nowhere, untouched since c. 1955).

There was... groan if you recognize this... a box of 'dress-up' clothes to assist us. As I was playing an older woman, I put on a long velvet dress, and my hair in a bun. We did a few dress rehearsals, and I kept stepping on the hem. By the final performance, after I rushed off the stage and stamped on the hem again, there was a gaping hole just to the side along the seams.

I wince inwardly when I wonder now how old that dress was. I fear it was 1930s.

I have nothing of substance to add here, apart from, I agree roughly with the date, I wonder whether the 'New York Creation' label suggests that it was ready made (I may be wrong, but I'd thought the label was adopted by ready-made dress manufacturers), is that a newer nylon zipper? and yes, please do restore it. I suspect you may be restoring the mischief of some hem-stamping vandal like me...
 
whoops - didnt realize it was a link. i had looked up the ILGWU part but didnt realize the New York Creation was significant. Thank you so much for pointing out - I can now say I learned something new today.

Thanks!
 
:USETHUMBUP:

We aim to please!
Also, I didnt mean to suggest that your Harlenes label is insignificant. I just dont know anything about that label. I would certainly mention both when selling. The NYC label is more recognized probably.

It is a lovely dress and worth saving!
 
The zipper is def metal - fairly substantial - but is covered in a black material. At first I was thrown until I started to unzip. Zipper has writing on front which I am struggling with KOH something and then looks like the word Lovers down other side on front. Back has two patent #s which I am going to look up after lunch.
 
Brenda,

I didn't take it that way at all - for all I know Harlene sat in her basement and sewed her name into things that she didn't make! LOL I am just glad to have learned about the NY label.

Thanks again!
Maureen
 
I think the zipper might be Koverin. I have been helping at the U of H Historic Costume Collection and have come across two zippers with that label on them in late '30's dresses.

Linn
 
If the damage is only at the seams, it shouldn't be a difficult repair job, although it might be time consuming. I agree the NYC label is quite significant. If your initial investment isn't very much, I'd definitely take it to your seamstress and at least have a quote on the work. And make sure the rest of the fabric is sturdy. I'd, myself, have it done unless the cost is outrageous!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top