Help with dating unbranded dress

[Gudrun]

I’m trying to date a dress I recently acquired. Bodice is bias cut with drop waist. It’s pull on style (no buttons or zipper) and fabric feels like a textured rayon. No sign of any labels. Fabric reminds me of 1940s floral but seams are serged. Fit is pretty much the same regardless of how it’s put on (no clear front or back), but my old vintage dress form doesn’t have much of a figure so that might make a difference. Any input on this dress
would be appreciated!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

That is a beautiful dress. Without handling it and judging by the photos I would say it is not 1940s, but a more recent revival style. That crinkled rayon, the revival styling, and length suggest 1990s to me.

 

[Gudrun]

Thanks for such a quick response! It was a long shot to imagine it was older but a pretty dress nonetheless. Surprised there’s no indication of labels on it though. That had me puzzled.

 

[retro ruth]

1990s was my first thought too.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

There were a few particular "small" designers in the 80s and 90s (Holly Harp, Barbara Barbara, etc.) who did these revival dresses, many in rayon and rayon crepe. I cannot recall the name of my favorite, darn it, a female. Most of her dresses also had no zippers, some had tiny buttons, some none at all. She favored rayon crinkled crepe for its draping qualities. Her dresses, now considered vintage, still have a small following. Anyone know who I am referring to? My brain is tired.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Carole Little is the designer I was thinking of.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Here is one of her 1990s dresses I used to wear. Finely crinkled rayon crepe, slips over the head with no closures. Wish it still fit me. It actually hits the leg about the mid to lower calf like an early 1930s dress. My dress from is quite short.