Dress dating help

[Tamzzyn]

Hi all Can anyone help me with this one? I initially I thought the buttons were up the front but it didn't look right at all, plus the side area (that needs repair but looks like hook and eyes used to be there - I added the safety pin to keep it together) is on the left with the buttons on the back which is more in-line with where side fastenings on a dress would be.It is handmade with a crushed velvet made from natural fiber, although unsure which - burn test curled away from flame, ignited and left a fine black ash. A belt came with it which is pictured in the last photo but unsure if this is where it was supposed to go.

I'm kind of leaning towards 30/40s - more specifically late 30's with the style. Thanks!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

1930s and a gorgeous fabric. It would be silk velvet, rayon velvet or a blend of the 2.

 

[GemGem]

Oh yes, what a beautiful dress. Going by what I have learned from experts like Barbara above on this fabulous forum, it definitely looks 1930's. The shoulder Ruching especially reminds me of this period.

@Rue_de_la_Paix do you think early 30's, given the drop waist?

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Well, the dress is a rather unusual style, to me, with all that smocking and gathering at the neckline and shoulders. Looks custom made for someone is my guess. Yes, early 1930s, but not because of the drop waistline, which is a little odd for early 30s (as is the neckline) . My dating is based on the velvet itself, and the gathering/ruching/smocking style stitching on the dress. This was very typical of early 30s velvet garments.

 

[Tamzzyn]

Thank you both so much! It is an unusual style of dress so I wasnt 100% sure of the age; however, it had that feel of age when I handled it which peaked my interest for sure

 

[GemGem]

Well, the dress is a rather unusual style, to me, with all that smocking and gathering at the neckline and shoulders. Looks custom made for someone is my guess. Yes, early 1930s, but not because of the drop waistline, which is a little odd for early 30s (as is the neckline) . My dating is based on the velvet itself, and the gathering/ruching/smocking style stitching on the dress. This was very typical of early 30s velvet garments.

Yes I have seen that smocking style on many velvet cloaks dating from the 30’s. was thrown by the drop waist but Of course fashions often have a little crossover at a new decade and home sewn means it could be someone’s preferred style. Thanks for the info