What era is this 80s gunne sax dress inspired by?

[Impey]

Hi All

Any thoughts about how best to describe the style of this Gunne Sax (Scott McClintock) 80s dress?

I associate the dropped waist and relatively straight / loose shape with the 20s, but the high collar / crochet work / puffed sleeves with more Edwardian?

Any thoughts? Is this a specific style or just a retro mash up?!

with thanks

Jane x

PS Apologies for the posey photos!

 

[denisebrain]

I'm voting for retro mash up. It seems, by the way they styled this dropped-waist dress with a headband n 1987, that they were thinking 20s. But that neckline is definitely more like Edwardian. I like the character of yours a lot better than these, and you look great in it! This is the kind of shape that would look horrible on (ahem) some of us.

 

[Distantdetails]

Thanks, Jane, for the question. I'm a predominantly-jewelry person, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can about clothing.
Embedded in your question are some great details about eras, and then Maggie's further comments (and images) are just what I needed for an educational pop-up this morning.

Many thanks to you and Maggie. I often find that perhaps I can't answer a question, but I can learn something from these small-bite questions.

 

[Impey]

I'm voting for retro mash up. It seems, by the way they styled this dropped-waist dress with a headband n 1987, that they were thinking 20s. But that neckline is definitely more like Edwardian. I like the character of yours a lot better than these, and you look great in it! This is the kind of shape that would look horrible on (ahem) some of us.

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Thanks so much for this - it’s amazing to see the ads! I’m not completely convinced about the 80s gunne sax - feels like bit of a let down from the 70s lines! Good to know that it’s not a specific style

Jane x

 

[Impey]

I'm voting for retro mash up. It seems, by the way they styled this dropped-waist dress with a headband n 1987, that they were thinking 20s. But that neckline is definitely more like Edwardian. I like the character of yours a lot better than these, and you look great in it! This is the kind of shape that would look horrible on (ahem) some of us.

View attachment 150579 View attachment 150580

quick question - would it be okay for me to reproduce the adverts above in a listing in order to illustrate likely age / how it would be worn, or are these copyrighted? I’m guessing latter so won’t without your permission!

 

[denisebrain]

would it be okay for me to reproduce the adverts

Honestly, it's complicated, and you'd probably best not sorry to say.

 

[Impey]

Honestly, it's complicated, and you'd probably best not sorry to say.

Completely understand - thanks for showing them anyway, so useful!