1950s Garfinckel's Taffeta Dress Cleaning

[Slimewarp]

Hi friends. I found this dress at an estate sale for a few dollars last weekend, and i am hoping for any tips on cleaning and care. I am not sure of the fiber content, as there aren't any labels. It feels like taffeta, very crispy and kind of shiny. I think it is synthetic, i have not done a burn test yet. The fabric is super tightly woven and i can barely see the ribs, but i think they are diagonal.
-Bodice has boning inside
-side metal zipper
-2 layers of mesh, a layer of the black taffeta fabric, and a bottom layer of some kind of stiff-ish muslin or interfacing fabric.
-bow on the dropped waist with red flower (damaged)
-stitching pulls on the back bodice seams

Would you consider this a mermaid style cut? I love the asymmetrical neckline, and the pleats on the one sid of the bust.

Do you agree that it is 1950s? The label matches the one in the LR.

I have tested spot cleaning some dried surface dirt/dust, using just purified water on a microfiber cloth. Seems to be okay so far. Can I steam this to get out the wrinkles and reshape the cups?

Sorry, lots of info and questions!!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I would steam this from the inside out. It is stunning! I can't help but think of my Barbie doll outfit Solo in the Spotlight, that dress didn't have the great asymmetrical bodice though. I do see it as 1950s.

Fabulous find!!!

 

[Slimewarp]

I would steam this from the inside out. It is stunning! I can't help but think of my Barbie doll outfit Solo in the Spotlight, that dress didn't have the great asymmetrical bodice though. I do see it as 1950s.

Fabulous find!!!

Thank you!

 

[northstarvintage]

What an amazing dress! I've had a few pieces from this shop and they have been very high quality and stylish. You must have done a dance when you found this.

 

[claireshaeffer]

Garfinckles had a custom salon and bought couture dresses to copy. C

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Great find and MJ is so right.....my first thought was my Barbie outfit, Solo in the Spotlight! I think I still have it somewhere!

 

[Midge]

Very Solo in the Spotlight indeed - what a fabulous find!

 

[Slimewarp]

It is SO Solo in the Spotlight!! I knew I remembered seeing a similar one in my old Barbie book, but I couldn't remember the name!

 

[catseyevintage]

Beautiful dress. I had the same Barbie dress - came with long black gloves I believe and little black springolator type shoes.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

and the tall stand microphone and a pink chiffon handkerchief!!!!

 

[Midge]

Yep, it came with all that - and a choker made of silvery glass beads .

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Oh, yes, those silvery glass beads and black open toe pumps!

 

[Slimewarp]

I think I have a buyer lined up for it, but if not, i might have to sell it as a high end Halloween costume!!