Chevron Striped Trapeze Tent Dress by Sundial

*~Eli!

*~Eli!

Registered Guest
Hi Everyone,

I acquired this dress at an estate sale amongst many.

Most of Millies dresses were from the 30s, 40s, 50s... about a dozen were from the early 60s (which are the ones with which I left), there were a few stragglers like this one, I just cannot pinpoint the era, is it 50s or 60s? More 60s yes?

It is a standard trapeze / tent button down, sort of a crinkly taffeta, unlined, neck scarf is attached, only label 'Fashioned by Sundial' (see pics), the other label pic shows the interior and some of the stitching.

Is that home sewn?

Thanks

*~Eli
 

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Awesome, that is what I thought, especially due to the lady on the label.

Thanks so much Carrie, would you be as kind as to suggest how someone might wear a dress like this in the 50s, and with what sort of accessories? Would the neck tie be worn tied in a bow? Would they wear this with a belt? Crinoline?

I really pretty much only focus on 60s to 80s and have gotten pretty good with those eras, but I still struggle with older stuff, since I don't handle it much.

The stripes are amazing arent they? Millie had quite the affection for fashion in her day *smile*

Thanks so much

*~Eli
 
Great fabric - the label says commercially made.

I can't help much on dating because your lovely model isn't showing me the shape of the dress - it looks like it could be '50s from behind but the front looks '60s with a drop waist??? I'm not seeing trapeze, more of a dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt, so '50s.
 
Don't put too much faith in the lady on the label: many companies use their labels for a long time, we had a local couturier that used their '50s style label right up to the '80s.

Yes, the tie goes into a pussy bow and no to a crinoline. Crinolines are for full, gathered or pleated skirts, your skirt is cut on the flare at the back although the front looks like it is gathered? I can't tell. It's odd - I wonder if it's a maternity dress with it's mismatched front and back.
 
No, the dress is the same in front and back, they are just bad pictures.

Sorry for that!

These are not great either but maybe they will help?

*~Eli
 

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Thank you: you can see the style better now, it doesn't have a waist seam does it? And now I understand why you said trapeze.

I can see '60s but I'm even getting a '70s feel now. Sorry: it's hard to tell without big and clear pics.
 
Ill try to toss it on my body form today and get some shots for you.

I cant be 70s, Millies flare for fashion definitely ended in the early 60s as far as her wardrobe goes. Her 40s stuff was FABULOUS, I just do not think I need to make my shop any more diverse than it already is... so have to convince myself to stay away from anything that isnt leather older than the 60s.

It has no waist line and flares out from the neck in almost a perfect A shape. The bodice appears a bit fitted on the model, but I think it is due to her big boobs *smile*. The fabric and finishing touches look 50s to me from the few items with which I have dealt, but those buttons threw me and I am really limited in my knowledge of 50s style. Unless it is obvious like a Lilli Ann, I am clueless it seems.

Posting a few more today, I know I always say this... but I so appreciate having you guys here. Ihave learned so much in the past year, you have really been a fab resource for me!

*~Eli
 
I see '50's also. I agree with Julie that it would be good to photograph the dress falling naturally. It would not have been worn belted or with a crinoline; the bow would have been worn tied.

There were tent dresses in the '60's; later in the decade after fashions became much shorter. This one is very '50's.

Linn
 
Ok everyone, finally, here it is.

Sorry it took so long, but my real career keeps me crazy busy at times.

Shots of the dress hanging freely on a dress form. Shots are not great, since I have something else set up for a shoot in my studio. But I hope they better aid in describing and dating this dress.

I left the dress on the form if you wish for more pics.

Thanks for all of your help!

*~Eli
 

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hi eli ! im keena and i just found a dress just like this at a vintage shop here in cincinnati ohio. ever since i found this dress i've been googling so much trying to get information on it. Mine is that same design except my dress go all the way to my feet. It also zips up the front. Did you ever find anything else more about this dress?? thank you!
 
Eli, this is really a piece with pizazz! Love the colorway! But I don't think it's a dress, I think it's a dressing gown. I was stymied till I saw it on your dress form and saw the fabric close up. The fabric, cuffed sleeves, button front, tie bow, etc., lead me to think it's a dressing gown/robe rather than a dress for street wear. Same with Keena's long one. I can definitely see these being worn on the old-fashioned sunporch in the mornings for having one's coffee.
 
Thanks for all of the info Anne,

When you say dressing gown, does that mean it was sort of like a fancier robe, worn over your slip and such, while you get ready to go out? In my desire to try an manage only fashions form the 60s to 80s, it appears I now have come into quite a few 50s dresses and I have to admit, beyond typical pin up /Rockabilly stuff, I dont have a clue (but if you ever have old motorcycle gear for which you have questions, I can answer that all the way back to the 20s, maybe earlier FYI)

Keena,

I imagine you have reposted this dress, on another thread, but please feel free to message me personally if you wish to discuss anything about it.

Again... thank you all so much. ou have made my research obsession a little more tolerable and your knowledge has been (and continues to be) such a great help to me when I am stuck.

*~Eli
 
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