Help! Dating dress...

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inkedpalm

Registered Guest
Hello everyone!

Although I am doing a tad better at dating items, thanks to all the info on this board, I find myself scratching my head over this one. It seems there are quite a few dress styles, like this one, that look to be dated older but are actually quite new. When I got this dress it was a very dingy brownish pink and the hanger marks were very apparent. I gave it a gentle hand wash (holding breath) and my darlink used his fancy fabric steamer, and look at how lovely she looks. Can anyone help with the fabric and maybe year?
Thanks,
Nadine

Pinkfront.jpg

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What's the interior construction like? Lined? Metal or nylon zipper? Pinked seams? Any label at all? And what does the fabric look like inside (a photo would be great!). Very pretty dress!
 
It looks like a brocade. I pulled this off of a website I have bookmarked.

Brocade

Fibre: Cotton brocade often has the ground of cotton and the pattern of rayon and silk. Pattern is in low relief. Weave: Jacquard and dobby Characteristics: Rich, heavy, elaborate design effect. Sometimes with coloured or metallic threads making the design usually against a satin weave background. This makes the figures stand out. The figures in brocade are rather loose, while in damask the figure threads are actually bound into the material. The pattern may be satin on a twill ground or twill on a satin ground. Often reversible. The motifs may be of flowers, foliage, scrollwork, pastoral scenes, or other designs. The price range is wide. Generally reputed to have been developed from the Latin name "brocade" which means to figure. Uses: All types of after 5 wear, church vestments, interior furnishings, and state robes.

This is the link for the website:

http://www.mycustomclothing.com/glossary.htm

I take it that the seams are not pinked (cut like saw teeth). I'm thinking later 60s early 70s but I would wait for the real experts. I'm too new at this to be terribly reliable. :D
 
I am thinking later 60s. However this style made a come back a few years ago - didn't Givenchy 'reissue' his 60s line just a few years ago?

Hollis
 
The seams are pinked. And you seem to have described it pretty well as I hold the fabric in my hand. I was told by the lady I got this from that it was made of raw silk and rayon, but I generally do not accept information unless I myself am sure. But this is such a beautiful dress. She also mentioned 60's, so maybe you two ladies are right. How would I describe the style?? Any suggestions?

I'm wishing my waisline could squeeze into it! LOL
 
Very pretty.

I have a feeling it is 80s/90s. A lot of dresses from that
time period had (what looked the same as this) brocade
type fabric, however it was a synthetic blend. Have you
done a fibre burn test on it to determine if it is a natural
or synthetic?

Sue
 
Have not done the test, and I just received my copy of "Secondhand Chic" that someone posted as a reference and notice it also had the fibre burn test within. Thank you for nudging my brain cells in that direction. I'll do that when everyone falls asleep, they may think I've lost my noodles burning up clothing. lol

I do like that "Priness line sheath dress with flared skirt" :clapping:

Nadine
 
l think the line of the armhole the cut suggests later than 60's as the armhole would be quite a lot narrower, l mean towrads the neck rather than slightly over the shoulders....so lw ould go with late 80's or cusper...as the fabric was aroun alot then, like devore was sooo IN...but this is like aan acetate or gossamer brocade...

hth
sara x
 
Sue,

The reference book I have isn't specific about how the fabric should burn for testing. If it is brocade has a cotton blend it should probably burn fast???

Nadine
 
Vivien, Sue,

I did the burn test. The fabric lit fast and the fabric was left brittle. Sounds like brocade. I'm not sure how it should smell.

Sara, about those armholes...could be you are right.

Nadine
 
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