40's or 60's?: Chiffon Cocktail/Party Dress

Of Dust and Wonder

Of Dust and Wonder

Registered Guest
Hey again, kindred spirits!

I'm going to be listing this dress before too long, and the entire cleaning, steaming, photographing process, I've been wondering about its age! My dilemma is that the zipper info (if you will) and the style of the dress conflict with each other. The zipper is steel and in the left side, so of course, I'm thinking early 50's or before, but doesn't the style (higher waist and bubble hem) feel more 60's to you guys? The fabric and details feel earlier than the 60's to me, though, so I'm torn. Other details: chiffon with a satin and tulle under-layer, and boning in the bodice.

I've included a photo of the only label, and made sure to show it on a person (as that was suggested last time I did a garment question post). :)

Thoughts on its decade of origin?

DSC_0652.JPG
Photo Aug 26, 1 42 36 PM.jpg
Photo Aug 26, 1 46 03 PM.jpg
 
I think somewhere between 54-59 . The dress is gorgeous and you or your model wears it beautifully. The waist might fit closer to the natural waistline on someone with a shorter torso or shoulder to waist ratio.


Here's some 50's bubble hem or balloon dresses on pinterest.
Code: 
https://www.pinterest.com/marizag78/bubble-hem-balloon-dresses/
 
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I looked up Cotillion thinking it was a foreign word for cotton however I'd suggest it was the style name for the dress; I thought the definition and origin given for the word were just lovely:
US: A formal ball, especially one at which debutantes are presented.
From the French cotillion, meaning literally a 'petticoat dance' (very apt for this design :) )
 
Melanie, I originally had the same thought as you did, and you may be exactly right, but in a few places, such as you can see in the label photo here:

Code: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/270100858/vintage-strapless-ivory-eyelet-gown

both S.K. & Co. and Cotillion appear together. The Cotillion label says 'Formals' under the word Cotillion and there was a Cotillion Formals Inc. in business in the 1950's. I found a 2014 obit for a 93 year old Alvin Subin and it said he was "...a consummate business man, meticulous and successful as the founder of Cotillion Formals..."

As I have time I am trying to find what the S.K. & Co. initials stand for, which might lead to information about the connection to Cotillion Formals.
 
Oh! Everyone, thank you SO much for your replies! I'm sorry I've been slow to respond, but such helpful info all around! Awesome! Definitely putting all of your thoughts to use! I totally agree @Furwise about the long torso thing-- that's me in the picture, and I always struggle with fit because I'm pretty long-torsoed for sure, I should have realized that! :) Thanks again, friends! <3
 
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