Dating - 1940s?? and Wondering if Dyed

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

Alumni
Here is another dress that has been sitting in closet for awhile as it has a broken zipper. I was originally thinking 1940s - does that seem right - the color is throwing me a bit? No labels or tags anywhere. The thing is, everytime I look at this gown, I get the feeling it has been dyed. Is there any good way to tell? There is something about the dark color of the seam where the two fabrics meet in the skirt. Maybe it is just the thread color but it just looks dyed to me - can't put my finger on it and HOPING I am wrong.

Am I just being cuckoo? Can't wait to get this one on a live model to get a better idea what it really looks like. Thanks all - appreciate the help!

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My feeling from the bodice shape and the shoulder line is more 50s than 40s. Also the lace over satin underbodice and skirt. Does it has a side metal zipper?

As to being over dyed, I doubt a home dyer could get this saturated a color, or get this much fabric dyed evenly, in a home washer or tub. Or have all three fabrics come out the same deep shade. Without handling it, it's hard to be definitive, but I this it's the original color.

Hollis
 
Such a beautiful dress!

I agree with Hollis that it's 50s and likely the original color. What you may be seeing is some color shift in the fabric. Older rayon or acetate linings tend to slightly change color or fade over time. If you're seeing this darker color on the interior at the seams, I suspect that would have been the color "as new," but the rest of the lining, having been more exposed to air, light, etc., may have slightly lightened or shifted over time. Sometimes this is streaky and readily apparent, but sometimes it's more of an overall effect, very subtle. I think dyeing would leave more unevenness in the color and not less.
 
Thanks so much ladies. For learning purposes, can you give me some direction as to why you are thinking 1950s? I was really thinking late 1940s so want to ensure I understand difference. So glad I asked...I appreciate help.
 
From my perspective, the neckline, with that capelike collar treatment, looks like what I've seen and had in many 50s' dresses, as well as the waistline. And there was an awful lot of lace overlays going on in the 50s. But, I'm not an expert on the 40s-to-50s period.... That's just my take on it.
 
I agree with the others: original colour and '50s.

Dyeing invariably results in a variation of colour, especially when different fabrics are used. For example, the lace overlay looks like nylon which takes colour badly and so there would be more difference in colour between that and the other materials, whilst yours looks very well matched.

Nicole
 
I think I must be struggling bc I had a dress this color in high school and had my shoes dyed to match - everytime I look at it, the color reminds me of those godawful dyed shoes! :)
 
It is an unusual color for early 50s, but if it had been dyed, the dress shields at the underarm would have taken on some of the color too.....unless they were added after the fact. Check any labels, the zipper tape, etc for evidence of dye. I agree that this is the original color and is so very pretty!
 
Okay - going with 50s and original color. Thanks everyone. It is quite "pink" for lack of a better term. Am going to invest in a good cleaning and look into zipper replacement. I hate replacing original zippers. This one is missing teeth so have no choice I guess. Going to search for a suitable replacement though - stay as true to original as possible. I will, of course, disclose in any listing too.
 
The dress actually looks like it may be a costume designed for film or theatre which makes sense of the color fabric matching.
 
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