Category Archives: bridal

More Wedding Dresses through the Mid-Century

Here’s a beautiful example of an ensemble from 1940. It’s a long way from June now, but weddings know no real season so it’s great to feature them alongside their sisters, the formal and semi-formal dresses. I know some of this one’s history because I was able to get it from the bride’s daughter. She told me that her mother had purchased it from Eaton’s, which was a well-known department store chain in Canada, sadly closed in the 1990’s or early 2000’s. I also think that there’s an interior tag indicating that it had been made in Europe.

So beautiful with the veil but the dress alone is stunning. Heavy ivory-color fabric – probably a type of rayon. Classic long sleeves that make it a 3-season gown. This was before Canada and the U.S. joined the Allies in WWII, so materials were not heavily rationed even though we had just emerged from the Depression of the 1930’s.

A couple of brownish age spots are the only signs of wear or damage. It’s so wonderful to discover a piece like this, also with background information that makes the investigation so much easier to report. Stay tuned for more transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Another Mid-Century Bridal Fashion

Was that really a bride’s dress yesterday? Well, here’s what her matron of honor or one of her bridesmaids might have worn. Again we’re in the middle to late 1950’s to the early 1960’s for the date of this costume. The New Look Post-war design and below-knee hemlines are still popular. It’s made from a common, mid-weight synthetic fabric that has a nice gloss, with classic fitted styling and it’s own unique tailoring details. There is an attached netting crinoline layer under the skirt for gentle pouf.

Not designed to steal the bride’s thunder, but still very attractive. The virginal veil headdress, dipping neckline, wasp waist fitting and flouncy skirt in back do make the rear view a bit flirtatious. Some of the best fashion designs have combined both demure and come-hither vibes with genius artistry.

Here’s one other possibility which adds to the mystery – this might actually have been the bride’s dress, if it wasn’t her first wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned –

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Mid-Century Party Wedding Prom Dress

A bit of a confusing style – not sure where this frock landed back in the day. The little paper tag peeking out from the neckline in back tells us that it was an off-the-rack garment. Looks like a hybrid cocktail wedding dress. White, with glitzy beaded “cummerbund” effect around the front waist and a short formal length. The shoulder tails are a clue which points specifically to the late 1950’s – early 1960’s when these were having a come-back. Pretty on a wedding or party style but a bit awkward for dancing.

Whatever it was intended to be or ended up being, it’s gorgeous and sophisticated. I’m sure the lucky gal enjoyed it. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Mid-Century Party Frock, This One in Spring Green

Stylistically, almost identical to the one shown a couple of days ago excepting that this one has a different tailoring on the bodice. When sleuthing, it’s been so much fun to find dresses of this type and to notice that they are very individual, even though they come from the same time and the same category. Again, we’ve got the sheer elbow-length sleeves, so I would say that this dress comes from the identical 1950’s – early 1960’s decade.

What a perfect color for this time of year – the pastels always are ready to come out in force after New Year’s Day. Again, an early Prom dress?; possibly. Possibly was worn as part of a bridal party. Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor or maybe even the bride. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Late 1950’s – Early 1960’s Party Dress with Sleeves!

Such a pretty style and color! In a dark salmon pink, with the unusual sleeve design and waistline embroidered smocking. It’s not an in-your-face sexy style, or even close, but it has all the design hallmarks we’ve been seeing with regard to the fabric, fitted bodice, cinched waist, pouf skirt and tailoring detail. A bit high-waisted, as many of the dresses of the Forties and Fifties tended to be. Perhaps they fit most women’s bodies better at that time. I can never get over the generous hem allowances to die for.

This could have been a prom gown when they were still wearing below-the-knee styles. Maybe even a bridesmaid dress. It’s a real confection, like a strawberry or mid-century powder puff. Makes me think of another holiday that’s coming up soon. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Early 1950’s Party Dress in Pure White

This could also have been a bridal costume. I’ll be showing more of these in the near future. Here’s the sheer overdress again. The sheer bodice around neckline and shoulders was a common feature of dressier frocks in the 1940’s and early ’50’s, in my sleuthing experience. White dressy dresses were often seen, too, during the months after the Holidays when minds are in the midst of icy winter but thinking about Spring.

The sheer fabric overdress with embroidered design shows up again and again across decades. This frock has an attached crinoline to give the iconic pouf skirt profile. What more can I say – perfection. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DOES 1920’S SEMI-FORMAL DRESS

Sometime during a brief 1920’s style revival in the l960’s – 1980’s this frock was produced. It’s not a style that is flattering to everyone but, of course, Stella can pull it off perfectly. In this pure white, it may have been made as a lower-priced wedding costume alternative by some company that made bridal dresses. While obviously not high end, it’s pretty and flirty.

Love the handkerchief hemline! Can you imagine a gown in this style, made of fine silk and satin with handmade lace? During the Gatsby gilded age brides from wealthy families would have been dressed that way. Today it would make a fun Halloween or theater costume. Dresses that are obviously tied to a theme or era are always interesting whether they are true vintage, retro or modern. Of course, I always sleuth for the original evidence. More coming, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1940’s POST-WAR 2-PIECE DRESSY WEDDING SUIT

Here’s Stella in a beautiful wedding suit from the 1940’s. In fact, it was the outfit she was wearing when I discovered her. Although this ensemble might have been worn for another special event, I’m sure it was a wedding dress. It’s in a heavier-weight jacquard fabric with classic bridal tailoring details such as tiny covered buttons and points at the wrists – almost midieval. Again, I suspect that it was tailor-made. The peplum and shawl collar are very Forties, plus a rare coil zipper and unusual piecing of the skirt which causes the uneven hemline.

A fabulous and fun find! Stella’s been part of the team ever since. Stay tuned for her modeling more semi-formal and long dresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S – ’50’S SEMI-FORMAL FROCK WHICH COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN FOR A BRIDE

Such an interesting frock. Midi length on Stella, but she’s tall so it could have been tea or floor length on a woman of short stature. I couldn’t decide whether this dress was tailor-made or purchased at retail, but I could find no labels. I suspect that it was custom-made for a cool-weather wedding and the style really makes me think of some Wartime or Post-war bridal dresses I’ve discovered. Could also have been designed for some other special event . . . . .

Pretty mid-weight textured but glossy fabric which may be synthetic or a blend. Unusual long sleeves; but the best thing about this style is the collar. Each layer is carefully supported around the edge with wire so that it can be shaped by hand. I’ve very rarely seen this and it helped me to date the garment. It came from Australia so I may notice a British influence(?).

More semi-formal and long dresses coming. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM