What have I got here? Calling Hawaiian experts???

[metal_thread_vintage]

Ok, I bought this today, but I can't for the life of me figure out when it's from. It seems like a hawaiian piece of some kind. The center section has these overlapping strips of silk. They are zig-zag stitched on. The sides tie with little silk ties. I dont' know what to make of it, and I don't know much abotu hawaiian stuff. Any thoughts?

 

[cmpollack]

Is it a play suit or a tunic-length blouse (can't quite see from your pics)?

I can't help with the date, as I've never seen anything quite like it, but it sure looks early...

It's wonderful!

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

oh sorry! It's a blouse. I didn't want to have my manni give everyone a crotch shot!!! lol

well, I thought it was early too, and then I backtracked, and then thought it was early again. I just don't know. Hawaiian pieces and ethnic or folk pieces always confuse me.

I'll try to give a few more details. the rest of the shirt is cotton. really soft. I think that's what's throwing me. it's so vibrant. It just doesn't seem that old, but who knows because the construction looks old - well that, and the sweetheart neckline. The armholes and neck have seam binding or something on the inside = like a little folded band of the same silk you see on the front. The ties are encased on the inside in the same silk. side seams are double stitched. the bust is darted. Looks homemade - no labels.

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

i've decided it really is the cotton that is bothering me. I haven't handled very much hawaiian fromt the 40's or 50's, but it hasn't ever felt so soft or been so bright. Isn't it usually kind of smooth and a little crisp? That's just a guess.

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

wait. maybe it's an asian piece. ????

 

[eel]

man home made stuff is so hard to date.
It looks similar in style to some Hawaiian top/capri pants sets I have from the 50's. but it looks a little missmatched to me, like someone liked one part of an old dress and decided to restyle it, maybe for a luau they were going to.
It looks kind of long too, my first thought was a swimsuit cover-up but who would use silk for that?

 

[eel]

OK looking closer I see those strips are sewn onto the print...wow that's a lot of work... hmmm

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

I keep trying to remember where I've seen this print before - maybe a late 1950's swimsuit or something?

 

[bartondoll]

I have no idea on the date of this, but my gut feeling is that it is of asian origin - maybe Thailand, or possibly the Philippines?

It really is wonderful.

Sue

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

if it is asian, do you think it's vintage? Or just a fancy, traditional kind of piece?

 

[metal_thread_vintage]

and thank you all so much for all of the input!

 

[Fishstique]

You might want to look up the term 'tea timer' - somehow that pops to mind when I see that shirt.