Help date my Benetton blouse

[retro ruth]

Following on from this thread, I'd love some opinions on the date of this blouse, so I can submit it to the label resource.

My first thoughts were 80s, what with the kind of batwing sleeves, but the colours and romantic print and almost Victorian/Edwardian Revival styling made me think it could be late 70s? And now I keep second guessing myself....

It buttons at the back of the neck. The sleeves are cuffed, not sure if that's clear from the pics. The label is in the side seam. Note the iron symbol is the older kind, which I think puts it pre-1985.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

What a lovely print, it looks a bit like a Liberty print. I am trying to remember when that V shape was in style and I am thinking the early 80s.
The slightly dropped sleeve has me thinking that time frame as well.

Very pretty blouse, Ruth!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Lovely print - you've styled it nicely too Ruth!

That shape was in about '78-80 and the neckline ('60s style bias rolled collar) came back in the very early '80s so I think you're looking at around '81.

 

[retro ruth]

Great! Very early 80s, or a cusper, it is then. I love the print too, and I was quite surprised when I saw the Benetton label, it's not the kind of print I associate with them.

 

[retro ruth]

The short answer is modal is similar to rayon / viscose, a cellulose-based semi-synthetic. Apparently it's made of beech. This blouse has some of the softness and drape I associate with viscose.

That was exactly my thoughts too, about hanging on to the 70s colour ethic.

 

[retro ruth]

I don't know if it's called something else outside Europe, but it's definitely not the same as viscose. It may be a trade name, I'm not sure.

 

[Midge]

I'm quite familiar with the term Modal as I see it in old ads quite a bit here. Yup, it is a cellulose-based fiber made of beechwood, but it's much newer than viscose/rayon.
The care label is interesting - it says below the symbols that it is according to a law from 11/26/1973. I would have but this blouse in the early 80s too.