Help Dating an Unlabeled Linen Wrap Dress - 50s/60s? Cardin?

[Jennifer Kietzman]

I’m guessing this dress dates from the late 50s or early 60s, but I’m really not sure. It’s a wrap dress with two means of closure at the back – a hidden snap, and a wonderful bit of hardware. When I bought it, the woman who owned the shop vaguely indicated that the previous owner said it was a Pierre Cardin dress; I’m dubious, but I don’t know Cardin well enough to say. There are no labels in the dress, it is unlined, 38 inches long, feels like a heavy-weight linen. Thanks for your help!

 

[Pinkcoke]

The metal fastening is a clip I have seen on 60s/70s real and faux fur coats previously. I've never seen it on a dress. I would definetly say the dress style was more 60s than 50s, but I couldn't say if that is when it was actually made without more detail on the construction.

 

[sewingmachinegirl]

Hi Jennifer, that's a fantastic dress, I love the cut and the placement of the spots . The fastening is unusual for a dress, and the hand sewing of the loop section of the metal closure looks very neat. I would vote 1960's as well.
Can you show us some inside photos and a close up of how the spots are sewn on?

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

The metal fastening is a clip I have seen on 60s/70s real and faux fur coats previously. I've never seen it on a dress. I would definetly say the dress style was more 60s than 50s, but I couldn't say if that is when it was actually made without more detail on the construction.

Hi Melanie,

Thanks for your reply. I'll post additional construction info later tonight.

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

Hi Jennifer, that's a fantastic dress, I love the cut and the placement of the spots . The fastening is unusual for a dress, and the hand sewing of the loop section of the metal closure looks very neat. I would vote 1960's as well.
Can you show us some inside photos and a close up of how the spots are sewn on?

Hi Gayle,

Yes, I'll take a few extra pictures later tonight. Thanks for your help!

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

The metal fastening is a clip I have seen on 60s/70s real and faux fur coats previously. I've never seen it on a dress. I would definetly say the dress style was more 60s than 50s, but I couldn't say if that is when it was actually made without more detail on the construction.

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

I just posted several additional photos that show some construction details, i.e. how the dots are attached, the hem, the clasp and hook. The dress also has bra stays. I hope the additional pictures help. Many thanks for your time!

 

[sewingmachinegirl]

Hi Jennifer,this dress is intriguing that's for sure. Lots of thoughts, but no answers I am afraid!
It interesting that the stitching of the hook section of the clasp is not as well sewn as the 'eye' part. I wonder if it was moved and re-sewn at some point?
I am also wondering if this could have been made in the 60's from a designer pattern. If so, the dressmaker knew her stuff, but the red circle in the close up isn't as perfect as you would expect from a purchased designer garment.
I love this dress, I am sure it would look stunning on!

 

[Midge]

It being made from a designer pattern could be an explanation - I had a look through the Cardin patterns on the Vintage Patterns Wikia but couldn't find anything that looked like this - but then there's no guarantee that the Wikia is complete...

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

Hi Jennifer,this dress is intriguing that's for sure. Lots of thoughts, but no answers I am afraid!
It interesting that the stitching of the hook section of the clasp is not as well sewn as the 'eye' part. I wonder if it was moved and re-sewn at some point?
I am also wondering if this could have been made in the 60's from a designer pattern. If so, the dressmaker knew her stuff, but the red circle in the close up isn't as perfect as you would expect from a purchased designer garment.
I love this dress, I am sure it would look stunning on!

Hi Gayle,

Re the clasp, I don't see any old stitch marks to suggest that it was moved, but you're right that it's odd that one appears to be done so well and the other somewhat sloppily. And yes, the spots are not perfect circles. That it was made from a designer pattern seems like a good possibility. Thanks so much for your thoughts. I'm really fond of the dress, too. It doesn't quite fit me so I'm debating whether I'll hold on to it and hope or release it into the world.

 

[Jennifer Kietzman]

It being made from a designer pattern could be an explanation - I had a look through the Cardin patterns on the Vintage Patterns Wikia but couldn't find anything that looked like this - but then there's no guarantee that the Wikia is complete...

Hi Karin,

I didn't even know there was a Vintage Patterns Wikia. So good to know! Thanks for looking through it.