Palazzo Convertible Jumpsuit

Better Dresses Vintage

Better Dresses Vintage

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Not exactly a 1916 beaded silk dress, is it? ; )

Of course I immediately thought early 70s, because, well, look at it! But I need confirmation because beyond the manuf. label (interestingly bilingual, from Montreal), I could find no info on the company. A Google search turned up an article, and the visible portion mentioned the Manhattan Bath Robe Co. Ltd. of Montreal in 1940, but I could not access the full article (ugh).

Nothing on TESS, nothing on Trademarkia. Nothing on RN search. Canadian friends have never heard of it (they're younger than I). There is no fiber, ILGWU (Canadian or otherwise), or other label. The existing label is attached to one of the side-seam pockets, which I've never seen done before.

Also interesting is that there was a California-built lumber Schooner called Mabel Gray that sank in rough seas back in the early Edwardian era (surely unrelated -- who names a company after a shipwreck?).

I'm guessing, based on the bath robe company manufacturer, that this is some sort of hostess/lounging get-up. Looks like something to wear to a "key party," if you catch my drift.

Both the back and the skirt-front zip are "LIGHTNING" brand. There are thread belt loops, and the detachable belt closes with two sets of snaps. The fabric is a cotton faille or lightweight twill.
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I love this thing. But what do you make of it, experts? Feel free to use the tag photo for the archives.
 
Also interesting is that there was a California-built lumber Schooner called Mabel Gray that sank in rough seas back in the early Edwardian era (surely unrelated -- who names a company after a shipwreck?).
Click to expand...

There was clothing manufacturer called Rinky Dink - what were they thinking? Maybe Mabel Gray was in honour of the shipwreck and the company sank... I digress.

Very cool convertible! I think you're very late 60s. Looks cotton. "LIGHTNING" is a Canadian zipper.
 
Yes, I agree with Linn and Carrie that it's a hostess lounging outfit. The Manhattan Robe Company was a fairly well-known Montreal clothing manufacturer that made robes and pj's for men and women. I agree with the late 60s or very early 70s.
I've had a number of robes and sleepwear produced by them.
 
Thanks, ladies. Always happy to have my suspicions "approved" by the pros ; )...

Deborah, if you think 'Rinky Dink' is a funny name, how about "Chubbette?" A friend/colleague, Lucy, at "Roly Poly Vintage" on Etsy, uses their label as her avatar. Can you imagine a plus-size company calling itself "Chubbette" these days? Not likely! But Lucy, who specializes in plus-sized vintage, clearly finds it as amusing as I do.

p.s. Here's the story about the wrecked ship: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81437679/the-wreck-of-the-mabel-gray-1904-vintage
 
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