Cocktail Dress

[Buckarooandco]

I could cry about this one...it's absolutely gorgeous...

The beading is just amazing...metal zippers, gorgeous crepe fabric...handkerchief style? skirt...

No labels-and could be homesewn except for the quality of the beading...

But the fabric is faded in different spots...

Can Crepe be dyed?

 

[pastperfect2]

It can be, but it will shrink a great deal. Some length can be steamed back in, but it will still be 2" or so shorter. And shorter waisted as well.

That length is odd for the period - has it been shortened?

Hollis

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

I wonder if there was another tiered layer and it's been taken off to be worn as a top over a skirt - it's too short to have been worn in the '40s.

 

[Buckarooandco]

I think it looks a lot shorter than it really is...but I may be wrong...

 

[dorotheascloset]

I bet it had another layer....that asymetrical drape was popular but would not have been its finished hem, this was likely a full length gown with another layer that went to the ankles.

Crepe can only be dyed by a professional, I believe they have to strip out the color first. Otherwise whatever dye is used will still be a different shade in the faded places. Looks like it was a gorgeous dress!

Ang