Date check on 50s/60s dress, & how to describe the print

cmpollack

cmpollack

VFG Member
This has hung in my closet for 4 years now, and I've finally accepted that it just doesn't fit, grrr...

I've been assuming it's late-ish 50s, but maybe it's early 60s?

I can't tell whether the fabric is a very silky polished cotton, or a silk/cotton or rayon/cotton blend (and can't find anywhere to snip for a burn test). It's fully lined in cream satin. Last picture (of the way the kickpleat is finished) shows how beautifully it's made.

And how would you describe the print? I've been thinking "mediterranean tile print"--does that come anywhere close, or is there something much more apt I'm totally missing?

thanks!

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It reminds me of a Persian pattern - like you'd find in an Oriental Rug, although I also see a little bit of Ikat in it. I see medallions and stylized leaves and flowers. I love the cut of the jacket with the cape-like top and fitted bodice. It's really stunning! It would look great with turquoise jewelry set in gold.

Linn
 
Carrie, it's really beautiful!!!! And I, too, love the jacket. With jacket on, at a glance, I was thinking late 50s, but without, the dress looks early 60's to me. The colors look kinda 60s to me, as well as the stylized leaves and floral scrolls. That wrought-iron look would go great in my early 70's home with lots of wrought iron--you can send it here if you like....

Is that lining silk? It looks like it might be.

I see an Eastern Mediterranean influence (Persian wouldn't be far off that description, either, with the close proximity to Greece, Turkey, etc.).

There is a word that is on the tip of my tongue for a KW, but I can't spit it all the way up. It'll probably come to me at 2:30 in the morning....
 
scrumptious, Carrie!!

medallion came to mind for me, quickly, as well.

i'd say late 50s, very early 60s also, and i think its very Mad Men also

that low back on the dress is SO yummy!! good luck w/her!!
 
No distinct KWs are coming to me either, but that is certainly a desirable set Carrie!

Is the fabric cotton sateen? There is certainly a luminous look in your photos.
 
"Persian"--duh, that's it! I knew there was a category of print popular when this dress was made, but couldn't remember the darn word... (that's the fun thing about aging; your head gets stuffed with valuable info, but you just can't access it!)

Linn--your suggestions about how to accessorize are perfect, and making me even sadder that this can't be MINE...

Thanks, all, for the date confirm and descriptive boosts, ("Balinese faux wood", "golden rust", Oriental rug/tapestry, ikat, "bat wing"--all so helpful in getting things off the tip of my tongue!)

Maggie--I think cotton sateen sounds absolutely right. (The lining does feel like/look like silk, but since I can't test to be sure, guess I'll just go for "satin").

Amanda--the buttons are self fabric.

Kristine--dress is 37/28/37, jacket is 37/30, so between a S/M?

Many thanks everyone, for your help!
 
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