Help with dating and technique

[Vintagiality]

Hi all,

I was hoping to get some help with dating this dress. I thought it was 60s at first but I am not so sure the more I look at it. I am familiar with the label since it's from around here. It was a high end boutique located in Brookline, Massachusetts near Boston and showcased the designs of Mrs. Cyreld Spiller. The boutique operated from 1942 until 1995 and supplied gowns for many television shows from the 50s through the 80s. Among its longtime customers were Audrey Meadows, the Jackie Gleason girls, and the Bess Myerson television show. Miss Spiller also supplied wedding party dresses for Whitney Houston.

Some of Cyreld's dresses are at the Museum of Fine Arts like this one: https://www.mfa.org/collections/object/womans-evening-ensemble-514111

Any thoughts on dating?

Also, what is the technique on the bodice? Or if it has no name, how would you describe it? It's almost like little feathery pieces woven in along with some gold thread.



Thank you
Victoria

 

[pastperfect2]

It looks like chenille on chiffon. AS to date - My guess is early 1980s. But some questions: what kind of zipper? are there shoulder pads?

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Love the color~ I also see 1980s in this dress, and also early 90s, but am not sure. The fabric looks like a burn out velvet/ voided velvet to me. Are the gold portions an applied substance such as paint, gilt, etc? Or are they woven in? If you show the back of the bodice fabric that will tell if it is a burn out technique.

 

[Vintagiality]

Thank you both. The zipper is actually visible in the picture with the label. There are thin pads with boosters. Here is a photo. The gold thread and other pieces appear woven to me but I can't see the back since the dress is lined.

Is 80s still the consensus?

 

[Jonathan]

Yup, 80s - early/mid would be my guess 83ish

 

[Vintagiality]

Yup, 80s - early/mid would be my guess 83ish

Thank you, Jonathan. By the way, I am reading your book. It’s really so informative!