Worth Boston Gown / Dating and general advise

[Chelsea]

I have this gown, it's been sitting in a bag and I don't know what to do with it. The label reads "Worth Boston" anyone know if it's related to "The House of Worth"? The label doen't really look like the ones in the resource. Also I was wondering if anyone could help me date it? I am thinking 1940s - early 50s?

Look forward to you opinions!

-Chelsea

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

That is a quite interesting looking dress. I cannot date it for you, as the style is a bit of a cross over of decades, so I will leave that to others.

I can tell you that Worth of Boston is not at all related to the House of Worth in Paris.

B

 

[Jonathan]

I'm also not a fan about how that label is sewn in - it has been re-attached or added at some point. I agree with Barbara that this Worth has nothing to do with the Paris/London Worth.

 

[Chelsea]

Thanks for verifying, I didn't think it was related. I got this dress from an estate, it was with racks of 40s and 50s clothing that had been in storage, all clothing from the original owner. I just re-examined the label and you're right, it's very poorly sewn in.

 

[Vintage_Visage]

Looks late 50s or even early 60s to me, could likely be repurposed from a 40s or 50s gown.

Pretty but interesting. you RARELY see long center back zippers in the 40s. If you do they are shorter and are just at the neck. The left side was the common placement in the 40s and into the early 50s. The long center back leans towards later 50s and 60s, though not always. But it is one of those good clues to look for.

The zipper does look older like a 50s zipper, but the general construction looks like pieced together ideas. I like it though and it is real cute!

I am confused on the date as well becuase the skirt does look kinda hollwood 40s, but it is unique that is for sure.

Hoperfully you get some more experienced opinions!

 

[Linn]

Just want to throw in that there are examples - although rare - of full center back zippers in the late 1930's. I own two 1940's dresses that have zippers below the waist at the center back - and modern dresses with side zippers. I don't think this dress is from the 1940's.

You have to look at everything - especially the materials used, and most important the style and construction. What is the lining fabric in the skirt? The photo makes it look like a poly - knit which would put the dress in the 1960's. I think the dress is from the 1960's but hope others will weigh in.