Early example of nylon zipper used in dress

[cactusandcattails]

Thought I would share this as the zipper is such an important aide used in dating vintage. This pretty coral lace over taffeta party dress has a full skirt, bateau neckline, diamond underarm gussetts, everything you would expect in a 50s dress. Except it has a nylon zipper, and a label that reads "made especially for you by _____". So I guess this would represent the home professional seamstress, that from what I have gathered, had access to nylon zippers before they were widely available in commercial use. There are even fingerless matching gloves.

 

[theopshoproc]

Originally posted by cactusandcattails
So I guess this would represent the home professional seamstress, that from what I have gathered, had access to nylon zippers before they were widely available in commercial use.

That or perhaps she made the dress from an 'old' pattern at a later date?

Either way it's beautiful!

 

[claireshaeffer]

Homesewers frequently used "invisible" zippers before they were used in rtw because they were too exp. for rtw and often too heavy. Claire

 

[Jonathan]

This dress could also date as late as 1963ish -- it was a popular style and lived many years beyond its original intent.

 

[dorotheascloset]

I had a 30's dress with a plastic zipper once, I dont think I saved the pictures....it was a fascinating beast! Big, rounded teeth, large pull....still well concealed on the side of the garment, but very early for a non-metal. It was on a Germaine Monteil dress. Ang

 

[cactusandcattails]

This dress could also date as late as 1963ish -- it was a popular style and lived many years beyond its original intent.

I thought that might be the case too Jonathan. Especially since it was custom made for the original owner. I like the idea of the progressive home sewer using the newest available materials. This dress has nice finishing detail such as scalloped stitching on the underskirt hem.

 

[gaildavid]

It's very pretty, Brenda.

Gail