Livingston Bros. San Francisco Velvet Wedding Gown dating help please

[DecadencePast]

Purchased from a friend who's in theater but is also an atty who handles estate sales. She's been a vintie for many decades & can't remember where she acquired this. Told me she thought it was 20's. Researched the label - but not much help. Livingston Bros started in SF in late 1800s but seems likely this would've come from their subsequent store on Geary St. after it opened at that location in 1911.

Fiber burn tested rayon (no burnt hair smell/soft ash) - bonded velvet (unlined). Pinked seams & shoulders have super stiff double row of horsehair ruffle for shaping. Hand applied 4 rows of tiny ivory colored glass beads at neckline have an almost "scratchy" texture. Handmade back buttons are velvet covered metal.

Somehow even though I know 20s were simpler (and often shorter) times for bridal; somehow the super full gatherings of sleeves and bodice paired with the big lovely train are giving me more of a 30's feel. What say you (and why, if you care to share)?

Please and thank you - KD

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

What a fabulous gown for a winter wedding. It is a true gem, luscious velvet! I see late 1930s with all those tiny buttons, the waist shape, and the puff at the shoulder top.

Let's see what others think. It is magnificent, and I am leaning to 1930s. Maybe the label has more clues for someone.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I am seeing 30s as well. What a beautiful wedding gown!

 

[Midge]

Nothing more to add datewise - just have to say, it's utterly gorgeous!

 

[Ranch Queen Vintage]

@DecadencePast KD, I concur with a 1930s dating, and oh, my! An absolutely swoonworthy gown!
May we have your permission to add this label to our Label Resource? We're on the hunt for department store labels!

 

[MagsRags]

Another vote for 1930s.

If you browse through the images in the 1930s thread of VFG's Wedding Resource, you'll see similar emphasis on emphasizing the waist area, puff sleeves at the shoulders, and lots of trains. And now look at the 1920s brides. Shorter hems, a looser fit, and if there's a train, it is separate from the dress.

 

[DecadencePast]

@DecadencePast KD, I concur with a 1930s dating, and oh, my! An absolutely swoonworthy gown!
May we have your permission to add this label to our Label Resource? We're on the hunt for department store labels!

Thanks & Absolutely!

 

[bycinbyhand]

oh my my!

 

[BonniesVintageClothesLine]

Lovely!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

From the silhouette, I see late '30s to early '40s (wedding gowns are the most conservative of styles and change slower than other fashions, especially considering that WW2 might have had an impact).

The sleeves are being held out by 'sleeve headers' and in the absence of shoulder pads, that supports a late '30s dating.