Need some information on Mila Schon...

I

intrigueu4ever

Registered Guest
I have an amazing Mila Schon Dress prob from the 80's or so, But I cannot for the life of me find anything even remotely like it anywhere. I am going to date it in the 80s based solely on its look. But I sure wish I had some better information to go off of. I have never seen a garment of any kind constructed in this manner, it is a work of walking art. pure silk, 18 darts across the waist, a tulle bustle in the back too! So I want to be as sure as I can be. Any help or direction to go on is greatly appreciated!
Thanks
~Jolene
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Hi -- Dress looks very 80s to me, but I'd thought ASTM cleaning symbols were instituted (for domestic and imported clothing) in 1997, at which time manufacturers could use both words and pictograms, and only in 1998 were they able to use one or the other (and this only has symbols). This dress had to be intended for export, or it wouldn't say "Made in Italy" in English, and wouldn't have the word "silk" in Italian, English and French.

The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service -​
As of July 1,1997, care labels may come with a new feature — symbols or pictures. These symbols will quickly help you
determine how to clean your clothes. Through 1998, the care label must include written instructions with the option of
using symbols as well. After 1998, either written instructions or symbols must be provided, but not always both.​

Then there's the GINETEX rules, which you can read about here:


I'm waiting to hear back from GINETEX. I asked them for a specific timeline of when, exactly, European manufacturers began using symbols, either in combination with instructions or exclusively. I've asked before, but maybe this time will be the charm.
 
Interesting information LizaJane but I don't think it's set in stone - I've seen those symbols on garments from the '70s and '80s and it may be that there are more cleaning instructions under the label (on the other side). Any information on this Jolene?

The labels are one piece of the puzzle, and the style and fabric are others. I would be very, very surprised if this dress was post '97 as the style was not fashionable at that point.

Jolene, I have another question though: are there any shoulder pads, or signs that there were at some point? Thank you.
 
I felt exactly the same way, Nicole. I mean, it practically "screams' 80s, which is why I emailed that GINETEX folks yet again. I'm thinking if I keep on them, they'll respond. There HAD to be a starting point for the symbols, for the U.S. and abroad, even if it wasn't a law yet. I will definitely let you know what, if anything, I learn.

FYI, in the same vein, I've also emailed the Sears historians to ask if there is, anywhere, a compendium of Sears brand labels. I'd bet there is. It's just a matter of finding the person who maintained it, and getting him/her to share it with us!
 
I have the waist treatment in a green satin dress I believe is an 80's homemade from a 50's pattern, on mine they are seams that turn into box pleats in the skirt.
 
I love this dress!
I hadn't realized that she had been a client of couture houses, in earlier times, and sought to bring the elements to her work.
You can see it here.

It would be nice to know the exact year, and the link LizaJane posted above, to the exhibit, could
provide clues.

The range of dates Nicole mentions, seem most likely to me.
 
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