Dating two 40s? Day & evening dresses, confusing collar!

Vmode

Vmode

Registered Guest
Halloo,

I have two new arrivals that I'd like your opinions of if anyone can help, first is a cotton day dress with matching belt and side button fastening, with curious collar detail that I can't work out... Does it fold back, or cross over! Neither hang that naturally.. I found a late 40s-early 50s dress via google with a crossover neck detail, might this be from around the same time?

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Next up is a honey coloured evening frock, full length with full circle skirt, and gently ruched center front & back. Halterneck fastening with hook and eye, and size metal zip (Lighning), the fabric is grosgrain taffeta. There's unfortunately some damage to the bottom hem upwards to about 5", I'm debating shortening the dress as it is irreparable.. Would it be from around the same time?

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Thanks everyone!

Ava
 
Hi Ava,

I would date your first frock as very close to late '40s-early '50s, pretty much '49-51 cusper. You have one tie twisted but other than that, I think the fourth pic is correct: they cross over.

The second gown looks like you're correct, it's from the late '40s so very close to the other one. I used to call that fabric grosgrain too, but the more correct term is faille. It's not taffeta, which is shiny and crisp.
 
I agree with Nicole's dating. Really pretty dresses! I wouldn't shorten the 2nd dress, I'd leave it up to the buyer....but then again I can't see how bad it is....
 
Faille! THAT'S what it's called! I've read it somewhere before but had totally forgotten.. Thanks Nicole :D I hadn't noticed that the collar was twisted until uploading the pics, it actually still looks a little odd with it done the right way, perhaps when it has some neck in there to pad it out it'll hang better!

Hi Angela, I don't usually like to mess with dresses' intended design but it might be the only thing for it! There are a series of holes, I assume where the original wearer caught her heels, to the back, as well as some staining that isn't coming out... perhaps I could find some complimentary fabric from the same time to make a band or something, and sympathetically cover the damage. I have some heavy moire taffeta that came from a destroyed early 50s dress, I'll post pics if that works out :)

Ava
 
I can't tell from your photos but it might be possible that the collar can be worn several ways. I have a late '40's Lilli Ann jacket that has a collar that can be made into a bow - and worn open or closed. Fun dress.

I agree about the hem on the long dress - your buyer might want it a different length or might want to try to salvage it differently. Lovely dress!

Linn
 
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