A Donald Original? 40s? 50s? Silk? Satin?

V

Vixen

Registered Guest
Hello everyone!
Can anyone tell me anything about this dress? Particularly the style, year it might have been made.. the style? Fabric? And has anyone ever heard of Donald?
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/674349/Img_3084.jpg' width=234 height=669 >
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/674349/Img_3085.jpg' width=436 height=344 >
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/674349/Img_3088.jpg' width=241 height=452 >
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/674349/Img_3089.jpg' width=271 height=504 >
<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-3/674349/Img_3091.jpg' width=272 height=191 >
 
I guess I am fielding all yor questions first today!

From the cut and length, I think that's an early 60s dress. The bodice has a 1950s look, but the skirt shape and length are what make me think 60s. Very pretty and very flattering with that neckline.
As to the Donald label - I can't help there. Not a major name.

Hollis.
 
Hi Hollis :)

I don't mind that you're fielding all my questions!! I love all the info you've given me. What makes you think it's more 60s that 50s? Were the dresses longer at that point? Also, it has a very very stiff crinoline underneath, with a hook at the waist to keep it in place. Someone said it might be pellon?
(ps, my manni is pretty tall, so I don't know if that makes a diff as to the length of the dress)
 
Again, Hollis and I agree. It looks c. 1960 on the nose, maybe as late as 1963, but not into the 50s, its too short, unless it was shortened, which is possible, but even then it wouldn't go much into the 50s. This one doesn't have the same designer look to it as your Shannon's dress. It looks like rayon satin in the photos. I thought it might be a lower end label from Donald Brooks, but don't know.
 
Well the thing is, when I hold it against myself it goes a bit past my knees. My manni is really tall though (6 feet + she was wearing 3" heels), would that affect the original length? It's pretty heavy as well, and as I mentionned has a very stiff crinoline underneath, feels like heavy paper, which all makes me think it would be more 50's than 60's, but I really don't enough about the difference in these style dresses when it comes to 50s vs. 60s.
 
Just below the knee is right for about 1961 - 1964. Hem lengths in 1960 are still about 3-4 inches below the knee. The crinoline sounds like it is made of pellon. It is a pressed fibre, not woven, so it does feel like paper. Pellow is also more commonly used on rayon satin dresses because it won't snag the satin surface and it retains its strength unless you wash it.

It is difficult to see the difference between dresses from 1958 and 1963. Its very subtle.
 
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