40's? long Black crepe and lace dress

Pinkcoke

Pinkcoke

Alumni
I've received a few very old garments that all have major damage and would like your opinions as to where to go next with them, please do be frank as I've not had clothing of this age before and don't know if they are collected for any reasons when damaged.

This dress (the newest in age I think) is a wonderful design but clearly all the lace on the top half is just about gone. I am aware that even if the smaller ones were repaired and the larger patched it wouldn't look good as it's not a dense pattern. The skirt lace is fine. I don't know what colour slip would have been under it. What I wanted to ask is do things in this condition still sell? could it be repaired? is it for display/example only? should I bin it? It would break my heart (because it's my size!) but if that's the way it goes so be it.

The dating I was given with the dress (50's/60's) I think was quite wrong as I see it earlier maybe 40's due to the collar and many buttoned back but what do you think?

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I'm seeing late 30s, but that may be because I'm researching 40s right now. As to sellability - well, it can't be repaired. The lace is too far gone. And replacing the entire lace bodice can be done, but is not cost effective. So the value is as a pattern/salvage/study. I'd price it low - really low - and you may find a buyer as the lines are good and the skirt is quite lovely.

Hollis
 
What do members think of using a skirt of a dress that has a trashed top into a skirt? Some of the fabrics are so fabulous. I do think that this particular dress is best for a study, pattern garment, but just in general.

Marian
 
Marian, I've removed bodices before when the skirt is in good condition. It's not ideal but it's better than wasting it.

With this one though, as you mention, the lace is too far gone and even if the skirt lace looks okay, it will deteriorate quickly.
 
Oh, Pinkcoke, that dress is so pretty. What a shame it's not in good condition. Still, I think someone might buy it. People are crafty and creative, and maybe someone will put it to good use and give it another life. Personally, I wouldn't remove the bodice myself. I'd just suggest that option in your listing. Or if you do have it removed, include it as a bonus in the sale of the skirt.
 
Thank you everyone for your opinions. I think I may try and make a pattern from it to recreate the dress with new materials, it's just such a nice design.
 
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