brocade evening dress with low cut back and back drape feature

[Pinkcoke]

Can you believe when I bought this, it was photographed with the buckle on the front? I don't know if anyone actually wore it that way round (it does have shaping in the front!) but the last owner appears to have tacked down this swag/drape cape feature thing that goes through the buckle and joins the skirt, it is all one piece of fabric so must be getting on for twice the length of the skirt at the back, then sewn into the plunge back. The tacking is so quickly done I can't believe it was original. I am guessing this is a late 50's creation perhaps? it has the look but not the full skirt, apologies I have no petticoat for my mannequin to wear just a length of net. I can definitely undo the tacking right? I was unsure because this was done in black thread, same colour the dress was made with, however the zip which has been replaced I think has green coloured stitching around it. I have the missing diamantés for the buckle, just need to get some of that jeweller's glue that doesn't go yellow. Lastly it has a sewn in underskirt made from a rough fabric that is fairly stiff - what is this?

 

[bartondoll]

Hi,

I agree with your late 50s/early 60s dating and also that someone, unfortunately, has tacked down the watteau pleats. If the tacking threads
can be removed without leaving marks, I would do so. The skirt petticoat lining, if it feels quite rough, is probably buckram. If it feels a bit smoother
it could be stiffened muslin. Another product that was also used at this time to give body to skirts, which looks different to this - no weave and
has the look and feel of paper - is called Pellon.

Sue

 

[Linn]

I agree - late '50's early '60's and the lining looks like muslin to me. I agree with untacking the pleats.

If you can get G-S Hypo Cement that is the best product for gluing rhinestones.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Thank you guys, I will get straight down to restoring this one. G-S Hypo Cement is already on my to-buy list but now I really will have to go and get some.

Would steaming be advisable after I've taken the tacking out?

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

Yes, I'd steam it after removing the tacking, and if there are telltale holes left in the fabric, you might try spraying lightly with white vinegar, then re-steaming. The holes should close up or become less noticeable.

Lovely dress, btw!

 

[Pinkcoke]

Thank you very much Anne for the tip and the compliment! It certainly cost me more but I hope it will pay off. I think it is quite a good size: 38"/40" bust and 28/30" waist.