Belville Sassoon Dress dating and cleaning advice

[Aoibheann McMahon Tynan]

Hi All,

I have just got my hands on the gorgeous Belville Sassoon Dress.

I am trying to date it and see if any old imagery of it exsists! Any help with this would be much appreciated!

I have also noticed these two marks on the chest - I am afraid the material is too delicate to try and have these removed but I am unsure! If anyone has any advice around this it would be hugley appreciated too!

Thanks so much

 

[Aoibheann McMahon Tynan]

just adding label image

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I would say 70s on this one. Have you tried to just gently dab with water? They appear as very light stains. Do you note a perfume smell from these?

 

[denisebrain]

I think I see the fabric label shows polyester? Not super delicate I would expect. I agree with MJ's idea that you might try dabbing water on the stained surface with a towel behind to collect the moisture.

 

[Jonathan]

Not sure if he label says 100% polyester, or 100% pure silk, but I would dry clean as it suggests on the label - and it looks late 70s to me -- 77-78? You could try spot cleaning the marks first with a wet cloth, but those look like sugar stains (spilled champagne), or maybe perfume oil...

 

[dollsntrolls]

100% Polyester, I would do a sink soak with Dawn dish washing liquid. Once it's soaking I'd add an extra dab of Dawn directly onto each stain and rub in gently with your fingers. If it doesn't come out with Dawn, and if it isn't a textured stain (like on the surface that you can feel), I don't think they will lift. If something oily has sat on (like perfume) for a long time, it may not be extractible from a synthetic garment. And, I completely agree with Jonathan on the dating - Sally Field probably wore the couture version of this to The Oscars in '78.

 

[Aoibheann McMahon Tynan]

Its 100% pure silk, it really feels very delicate in real life. Would Dawn still be suitable for silk? No smell coming from the stains. I will try water today and then maybe dry cleaning !

Thank you all I was thinking 70s too just from some label researching.

 

[dollsntrolls]

Silk is a definite no for washing at home with different weighted parts - you must be very gentle when silk is wet! It can tear easily. Sorry, did not see the silk tag. I would be very cautious of the thin chiffon part not making through a soak. Gently dab the stains, and as they lift, use a hair dryer on a low setting while having the garment supported and laid flat.

 

[Jonathan]

I would be a shame to spoil it with a home cleaning if you aren't comfortable with how to do it because its a desirable label, and I think would do very well in the market - its the kind of thing Shrimpton Couture would love... so I would suggest to do the dry clean first and point out the stains for them to work on to their comfort level. They will probably ask you to sign a waiver, but even a regular dry clean might be all it needs, especially if its just a sugar stain from oxidized spilled champagne.

 

[denisebrain]

Yes, yes! Dry clean only, please.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Agree then with everyone above...bring to a good dry cleaner.

 

[Aoibheann McMahon Tynan]

Thank you so much everybody! I knew instantly it was too special to just take a guess at cleaning it - I will bring it to my locals who I trust a lot.
I think it is very similar to this one Princess Diana wore in Nov 1981 - The waist tie is very similar and the curly edge finish or lettuce hem on the silk chiffon is similar too! I almost don't want to sell it anymore haha