Yes, it has been drastically shortened or as Jonathan says had a longer straight under skirt. Attention to sleeves seems to have been a 30's interest. Marian
Just thinking here, but could it be that the collar/bow was added in the late 1960s-early 70s, at which time the dress might also have been shortened to "mini" length? " Based on the style of the collar/bow, which looks similar to those from that era, and the (relatively new) interest in wearing vintage at that time, perhaps that might explain it? It really is a mystery!
I agree that it was definitely shortened. It was most likely a full length silk crepe evening gown. The white tie must have been added, I have seen matching silk ties on 30s items before, perhaps the original had disintegrated and as Amy mentioned it was redone in the 1960s.
That's the first thing that popped into my mind. It has a late '60s style but the embroidery seemed much older.
