Help With a 1930's Wedding Dress

[steve w]

I recently got this from a friend who bought it as a 'hand embroidered 1930's Wedding dress' - She paid a small fortune for it - over $ 500 but I am suspect of it as it does not appear to be hand embroidered - it fastens up the back with metal press studs and I dont see anything like it in searches for 1930's Wedding dresses.
I could be totally wrong so if anyone is able to help or enlighten me I would be very grateful ...

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I have never in all my many years of selling, seen something like this being used a 1930s dress. Let alone a wedding gown.
I am highly doubtful it was.

It also appears that the snaps should be in the front.

 

[steve w]

Thank you -Yes I am doubtful as well so hoping to get some clarity - Do you know if press studs were even used in the 1930's ?

 

[Ranch Queen Vintage]

My first impression was that this is a linen that has been up-cycled into a garment.
A wedding dress, though? Maybe in some type of '70s boho setting.
And yes, snaps - what you're calling press studs - were in use in the 1930s. They were patented in 1885.

 

[Avantbo]

Thank you -Yes I am doubtful as well so hoping to get some clarity - Do you know if press studs were even used in the 1930's ?

They were certainly around but I can't remember anything I have ever owned from the 1930s had snap fasteners, unless added later.

The item is still nice but why did your friend think it a wedding gown or for that matter anything to do with weddings?

 

[Vinclothes]

I share your skepticism. As Marsha said, snaps (press studs) had been in use for a long time before the 1930's. The garment(?) is not embroidery. At first glance I think it is a type of tape lace. There was a time period - I think in the 60's and 70's - when it was popular to convert table linens into skirts, shawls and even dresses. Could you show us some seams so we can see how it was shaped?
Marian

 

[Midge]

Do you know if press studs were even used in the 1930's

Oh, definitely! But that is not the only thing to determine dating by. I would also not call it embroidered. It's a kind of lace, and looks more caftan to me - something upcycled maybe? No idea about the age of the lace, but the garment is surely a lot later than 1930s.

 

[steve w]

Thank you all -- Very informative - The material is thick like a tablecloth or linen so that makes sense - the reason she thought it was a wedding dress is because she was told that by the vintage store she bought it from so I appreciate the feedback ...

 

[steve w]

I share your skepticism. As Marsha said, snaps (press studs) had been in use for a long time before the 1930's. The garment(?) is not embroidery. At first glance I think it is a type of tape lace. There was a time period - I think in the 60's and 70's - when it was popular to convert table linens into skirts, shawls and even dresses. Could you show us some seams so we can see how it was shaped?
Marian

Hi These are the best pics I have to show the seams ..I think its machine stitched but am but am not sure..

 

[Avantbo]

Thank you all -- Very informative - The material is thick like a tablecloth or linen so that makes sense - the reason she thought it was a wedding dress is because she was told that by the vintage store she bought it from so I appreciate the feedback ...

BIB, That I understand and as a man something I may not have questioned when I first started collecting and no doubt she bought in good faith, but a wedding dress??

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Looks like an upcycled circular table cover to me. Yes, tape lace on most of it. Could have been made over in the 1970s, or very recently. It also is not a 1930s style at all. If I were your friend I would return it, as $500 is a rip off for that in my opinion. Not 1930s, and not a wedding dress. Looks more like shapeless poncho with sleeves.

 

[Vinclothes]

And it is not hand embroidery!
Marian

 

[steve w]

And it is not hand embroidery!
Marian

thank you !

 

[steve w]

Looks like an upcycled circular table cover to me. Yes, tape lace on most of it. Could have been made over in the 1970s, or very recently. It also is not a 1930s style at all. If I were your friend I would return it, as $500 is a rip off for that in my opinion. Not 1930s, and not a wedding dress. Looks more like shapeless poncho with sleeves.

oh I agree - problem was she bought it a few years back and only showed it to me recently ....but thank you !

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I agree upcycled linen

 

[Jonathan]

I would have immediately assumed it was a vintage bedspread upcycled by a hippie into a wedding caftan and worn c. 1970..

 

[GemGem]

The fabric could be earlier but like the experts suggest I agree it has been up cycled in the 70s. Press studs were used in 1930s dresses though, I had a white dress which was 1930s and had several tiny press studs to the front.

 

[retro ruth]

I've also seen press studs used in 30s clothing where a later garment would have a zip, eg at the waist placket opening of a skirt, or the side seam opening of a dress.

 

[bycinbyhand]

I think this is, as Jonathan said, upcycled fashion a la late 60s-1970.

Not 30s. Not a wedding gown. THOUGH it'd be a fabulous beach wedding gown ; )