Imitation of Life Dress

[Scarlett]

Hi! I'm new to this site so please correct me if I make a mistake. My name is Scarlett and I'm looking to have my wedding dress made by my "mother-in-law to be" whose been sewing for over 40 years. She was so wonder to offer when I didn't want a dress of the rack and instead pointed out that I've always wanted this cinema dress. Unfortunately her English, she's Italian, is limited, so I'd like to be able to communicate with her exactly what would need to be done or just understand in general how the dress is made at least.

I was wondering if anyone has made, seen a pattern, has any tip or could tell me anything about the Imitation of Life white dress Lana Turner wears...? I haven't found any information on it, let alone anything about making it. Just see me resorting to the movie as a resource and making the best out of it.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Fabulous dress! I can see why you'd like it. The trick with this dress is the amazing fitted bodice and dropped waist, the full skirt is easy. Your MILTB should create a cotton toile and fit the strapless bodice to you.

I found this Vintage Vogue pattern that is similar, you just have to cut the top of the bodice like Lana's dress, and get rid of the collar.

 

[Scarlett]

Oh wow. Ok, wonderful. I completely look at the dress differently now or at least the structure. That's the first piece we can talk about! Thank you so much.