Date and Gown Help - DuBarry New York

nostalgic*collections

nostalgic*collections

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Another good day on the hunt for treasures!

I'm thinking this is 50's. The crinoline doesn't look right so I'll have to re-photograph it.

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Metal zipper in back.

Where would have this dress been worn? Wedding?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Vicki
 
If you go to the VFG Main Site you can look up labels - the Dubarry one is there. Also I see that there is a AFLCIO tag. There is information about tags on the Vintage Forum on E-bay which is also a great help.

I don't believe a gown like that would have been worn with a crinoline as there should be an attached underslip and perhaps a tulle skirt as well. If there is then some applied steam to fill out the underskirts should be all the gown needs.
 
I see a range of dates from 40's to 60's. I'm not sure how to narrow it down. What are the characteristics that would differentiate this from a 40's, 50's, or 60's dress?

I also read that they designed formal wear. How can I tell if this was a wedding dress, bridesmaids dress, or a cocktail dress?

Thanks,

Vicki
 
There's sometimes no difference between for example, a bridesmaid's dress or a long cocktail dress (although "cocktail dress" would normally denote a short dress rather than a long one). DuBarry made formal wear, which could be evening gowns, wedding gowns (if one were to wear a non-traditional one), pageant gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, mother of the bride & groom gowns, etc.

This is often no definite "this is an evening gown" versus "this is a mother-of-the-bride" distinction. A formal gown is sometimes just a formal gown--you can use it for a number of things. In the 50s, not many people were wearing colored or non-traditional wedding gowns, so it's a safe assumption that this isn't a wedding gown.

It's not necessary for you to know exactly what purpose this was worn. The dating, description, fabric explanation (weave & fiber), etc., are far more crucial. The dating will come easier as you study the resources.
 
Anne - Thanks for your help. Your explanation was exactly what I needed. Thanks for the clear definition of formal wear and of a cocktail dress.

Thanks to all the members for their eternal patience and immense help!

Vicki
 
Now, to confuse you again, there are long dresses that one could call cocktail dresses. But they are, IMO, a sleeker style (like a little black dress, only ankle length), the kind you would see someone wearing at a gallery opening reception or a corporate drinks & hors de hoeuvres event. Your dress is more the party gown or formal ball gown type. If it were a short dress, you could probably call it a cocktail/party dress. I think, when most vintage buyers hear "50's cocktail dress," they will think of a short dressy dress, not the long, more formal gown.
 
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