Section of Wedding Dress

T

trickster

Registered Guest
Hi Ladies! I have the front section of a wedding/prom dress in my posession. Here are some photos - that clearly don't do it justice....

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Anyone know what the self-stripe skirt fabric might have been like?

Would all the skirt have been like that?

Is it a 1950s piece? It's fully lined in the back with no exposed working. It also has very soft and pliable boning on each size.

I want to have this built into a wedding dress for myself (for next year) and really want to do it justice so all help much appreciated. :)
 
Rather than try to match the existing material you would probably find it easier to choose a different but complimentary material, like an oyster coloured tulle.
 
Thanks Jonatahn. Sorry - should've explained myself better but was running late for work.

I have been thinking along the lines of oyster coloured tulle - perhaps tiers of it? Or perhaps smooth in the front with a tiered bustle effect at the back? I adore the Chanel dresses of the 1950s and as it'll be baking hot when I get married I need it to be lightweight - although I definitely want a fair sized swishy skirt.

Am a bit stumped though with what to do at the back of the top - it is literally only the front of the top. What can I use on the back? Also, I don't know if it's quite long enough for me in the body so I thought about a matching silk sash - but I could put a ruched band of tulle around the waist couldn't I? That would also conceal the seams between top and skirt as the beading goes right to the edge of the bottom seam.

I was asking about the self stripe just out of interest really - I thought it was an interesting looking fabric to go with the detailing on the top.
 
Consider making the beading section into a large applique. You could use the finished edge at the top and turn under the edges on the sides.

Then applique this onto the front of a new bodice which you can make long enough and with a back. This would eliminate the matching problem because you would only use the beaded section.

The fabric looks like a satin-backed crepe or charmeuse. Either of these would be soft and require an underlining to give body.

After tomorrow when I finish my DVD filming I can answer questions.

I would try to avoid a sash. Claire
 
I agree with Claire: I would treat it as a beaded panel and finish it off properly, removing the excess fabric and sew it onto another gown of your choosing or design.

As far as dating goes, it looks 1960s to me. The skirt might have been a ribbed silk, probably floor length and quite plain - there may have been a matching stole to keep the wearer's arms and shoulders warm.

Consult a skilled dressmaker, I'm sure she will be able to help you create the '50s style dress you're looking for.

Nicole
 
Thank-you so much everyone! really great advice. I'd thought about an applique but was a bit worried about how it would look against another fabric; I see how it might work now you've walked me through it.

So, I could have an ivory or oyster gown made and then sew this onto the front. Genius. :)
 
Many years ago I bougth a Mary McFadden dress very cheaply (size 12). It was much too large so I altered it.

The dress has a beaded panel on the front. What I discovered was that the dress was almost finished when the panel was sewn on. This might be an idea you can use. Claire
 
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