Can This Gorgeous Lace Dress Be Saved?

[Debbie]

Hi,

I recently purchased this dress at an estate sale. It looks completely handmade and there are no labels. The rhinestones and gold tone decorations around the waist are gorgeous and only 1 small rhinestone is missing.

The major issue is discoloration in the lace. Some areas look fine; others are darkened. Is this a huge issue? Can it be fixed? If so, is it an easy fix? Is it even worth the effort to try to fix it and then sell it?

I was hoping to find similar dresses to compare condition issues but I couldn't find anything else like it on Etsy or eBay.

Thank you so much,

Debbie

 

[pastperfect2]

It appears to be a 1960s /early 70s dress and should be able to withstand dry-cleaning. You would have to sign a release for the rhinestones, so take it to the best cleaners you can find.
Hollis

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Pretty lace dress: I agree with a '60s date.

I'm not sure that dry cleaning would return the lace to it's original colour: I would be inclined to soak in an oxi wash cleaner but there's the risk that the lining will shrink and lose it's crispness and I would also recommend removing the decorations and they're likely to be damaged. Generally I would only recommend dry cleaning for this dress so the discolouration is an issue.

 

[Jonathan]

I think the lace would wash up beautifully, but the lining is probably acetate or crepe, so if it was put in after the dress was finished, I would remove it first, otherwise I think you might end up with a crinkly lining that will never look as good again. Also, rhinestones aren't really washable, you might be able to rinse and dry them quickly, but if you soak it for any length of time the rhinestones will probably not fair well.

 

[Debbie]

Thank you all so much for your responses. I had actually taken the dress for dry cleaning - oops - prior to this post. They had covered the rhinestone area and caused no damage to them. I was hoping there was something I could do without having to take the dress apart - I don't sew and am certain I would only do further damage. My intention when buying it was to sell it. Do you think I could/should just offer it for sale as is for a ridiculously low price, like $25?

Thank you again,

Debbie