NEED HELP Dating high end flapper style Dress

brooke nicosia

brooke nicosia

Registered Guest
Ok girls (and guys?)

This dress was owned by a lady who lived in Houston, TX. She was well off and so I know this is high high quality. I was thinking 30's but... also if someone cound identify the material. There are NOLABELS - nada, nothing. Has side metal talon zipper and tassels on front bodice and 3 on each arm. Most importantly, WHAT is that belt? a muff? a pocket? just kidding - it is open on both sides. Please help :) Thank you so so much. Here are the pics....

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It could be as late as 1950, and the lack of shoulder pads makes me think it probably is c. 1950ish. I would try the peplum over the side closure. Is the zipper brass or silver metal? Its a good dress but I wouldn't say it was couture - it looks like an off-the-rack at a good department store kind of evening gown. Those beaded tassles appear to be premade and sewn on, which is the cheaper way to do that type of beadwork.
 
I agree to try the peplum belt at the side or possibly at center back. I was thinking mid 1940s to early 50s, certainly not flapper. Are there signs of shoulder pads?

Hollis
 
I agree with the others; late '40s to very early '50s if there aren't any shoulder pads, rayon crepe and the peplum drape needs to go over to one side. Agree with Jonathan that it's nicely made but not couture - a nice dress in a good colour and the condition seems to be excellent.
 
No signs of shoulder pads. Here is a picture of the other side of the tassels and of the zipper. Thanks so much you guys for your help!!! Color is way off because I just took them in a hurry. Thought this might help answer some questions you guys had. thanks again!!!!

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Silver metal zippers are almost unheard of in the U.S. before 1942, and universal in the U.S. after 1950, so this helps. The sewing on the back of the beading is a combination of machine sewn to the dress and hand attached pre-finished beadwork, so its in the middle.
 
Agreed late 40's, combination of handsewn and machine elements. Wonderful color, the belt piece is it like a muff or place to put something? Purely decorative? Very pretty!
 
I am still confused on what the belt piece is. If it is a muff, then it would do a horrible job of keeping your hands warm :)
Its a peplum belt - which still does not explain it. I guess it is for decoration. Thanks for your input!

Brooke
 
It's called a drape or swag, a type of peplum. Not intended to hold anything, including cold hands! Just a decorative feature - if you position it over at the side it will make more sense.
 
That is what I thought. I think it will look great on the side. Thanks for all you expertise and clarification. It helps me so much!

I dont know what I would do without all the input!
 
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