Keyholes: The VFG Fashion Parade for the week of August 12

[denisebrain]

Keyholes

A window into your soul? A bit of air conditioning?

A keyhole opening is the sly seductress of the vintage fashion world. This subtle yet sultry detail gives a masterclass in restrained elegance, whether found on a high neckline, back opening or sleeve. Typically a teardrop shape or a slit fastened on one end with a tie or button, you can find keyholes in various shapes with varying effects from understated to provocative.

Play peek-a-boo with the VFG this week as we show off the keyholes found in vintage garments.

 

[BlackLotusVintage]

VINTAGE 70s Colorful Floral Dress with Sheer Sleeves by Damon Dress


VINTAGE 1960s Yellow Dacron Knit Scooter Dress by Kimberly



VINTAGE 80s Black Lace Keyhole Cocktail Dress by Scott McClintock



Favorite keyholes from my sold archive-

VINTAGE 40s Sheer Black Mesh and Sequin Peplum Keyhole Blouse

VINTAGE 1950s Black Lace Illusion Evening Dress By Ceil Chapman

 

[thespectrum]

From my sold archives
1970s Leslie Fay dress

 

[Shusteroo]

Coming soon...

JOHN CAVANAGH Couture Navy/Red/White Check Tweed Dress Suit, circa 1950s/60s
The dress has an unusual keyhole detail below the neckline, which I believe may to secure a scarf

JANICE WAINWRIGHT 70s Blue Lace Flared Midi Dress, with keyhole tie detail at the back

Available now over on Etsy...
POLLY PECK by Sybil Zelker 60s Black Keyhole/Slit Blue & Green Sequin High Neck Flared Maxi Dress - Label Size 14 *Fits UK10

1950s/60s Metallic Shimmery Gold Keyhole Neck Bombshell Cocktail Dress - Size S UK10


ELEGANT MISS of California 70s Groovy White Keyhole Retro Wavy Ribbon Print Summer Dress - Size M UK12/14

 

[Midge]

1960s dress pattern Burda 20110 - one dress version has a keyhole neckline


1960s cocktail dress or evening gown pattern with back keyhole Ringier s4396


1980s disco dress or tunic and harem pants pattern with deep keyhole neckline Burda 8740

From my sold orders:

1940s dress pattern Simplicity 1684

1960s dress pattern Simplicity 6297

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Photos are clickable.

1980s blouse pattern with keyhole neckline and bow.


1980s black velvet open back party dress.

 

[Karen's Fashion Backward Shop]

Available for sale in my Etsy Fashion Backward Shop.​

80s/90s DONNA RICCO Black Crepe Cocktail Dress - Soutache Trim Front and Diamond Keyhole Back; Sz 4

Y2K NINE WEST Black Crepe Cocktail Dress with Glitter Trimmed Illusion Yoke; Sz Small

1980s NICOLA Silky Multicolor Jacobean Floral Print Turtleneck Blouse with Keyhole Back; Sz 8

80s/90s SWEE LO Heavily Embellished Navy Silk Cocktail Dress with Inverted Teardrop Keyhole Back; Sz S
Deadstock with original store tags

1990s OAKBROOK Black Crepe Cocktail Dress with Bow Trimmed Keyhole Back; Sz 10
​

Fashion Backward Shop on Etsy
Vintage clothing on Poshmark

 

[denisebrain]

60s Black Sheath Dress with Sheer Shoulders by Elegant Miss of California

70s Lavender Lurex & Black Knit Long Dress by Shelana London

 

[BlackLotusVintage]

70s Lavender Lurex & Black Knit Long Dress by Shelana London

Yowza!!!!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

1970s Peignoir Set Mod Print Nylon Nightgown Nightie Size M



Chiffon Blouse Black with Lace Sleeve VFG Size M




1980s Laura Ashley Dress Purple Velvet Size 12

1930s Panne Velvet Dress - Off White Striped Devore Velvet - Wedding Gown - S


1960s Cocktail Dress Black Silk Chiffon and Crepe S

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

Simplicity 6329 from 1974 now available at our Authentic Vintage Sewing Patterns shop on Etsy:

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Vintage 1960s Black Linen Sheath Wiggle Dress

 

[poshthreads]

Keyholes from PoshThreads:

Y2K Victoria’s Secret Silk Red Maxi Gown Bold Floral Vintage Slip Dress

Y2k Missoni Italian Knit Metallic Zigzag Crochet Party Dress 8

Y2K Victoria’s Secret Polka Dot Boy Shorts HipHugger Bottoms

90s Victoria’s Secret Silk Navy Floral Gold Label Vintage Camisole

1999 Victoria’s Secret Silky Satin Leopard Maxi Gown Slip Dress XL​

 

[Linn]

From my Personal Collection: 1940s Rose Gold Coro Brooch

 

[denisebrain]

MJ, I can't believe you still have this dress! I would wear it in a New York minute if I was in the market.
1930s Panne Velvet Dress - Off White Striped Devore Velvet - Wedding Gown - S

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I can’t believe it either, Maggie.

 

[Aintweswank]

From my sold inventory~ 1970’s JcPenney jumpsuit.

 

[MagsRags]

At MagsRags.net, photos are clickable links

a 70s maxidress in a print that reminds me of Celia Birtwell's work - racer back and a keyhole in front below the tie


another 70s maxi using a tribal print for the skirt


This 80s silk dress by Hanae Mori has origami-style sleeves and a keyhole in the back


an 80s jumpsuit with harem-style pantlegs and a similar back keyhole


and an 80s Victor Costa with upper back keyhole

 

[morning-glorious]

Coming in late here, with my newest listing!
80s Laurence Kazar sequined beaded silk dress with back keyhole opening

 

[denisebrain]

This week's video is up on YouTube! Click to view