Category Archives: LBD

A PRETTY LITTLE LBD COCKTAIL DESIGN FROM THE 1960’S – 1970’S

In terms of it’s pedigree, this dress has nothing to brag about. In fact, it’s very cheaply made; But, I decided to include it here because of the bodice design. This sheer panel with small decorative embellishments is something that I’ve seen several times on 1940’s and 1950’s styles. It’s an attractive but conservative way of accenting the shoulders and mimicking a strapless effect without any of the architectural challenges (the dreaded wardrobe malfunction).

The prettiest and most interesting version I’ve seen was a 1950’s beige sheath with a asymmetrical bodice. The sheer part had some little flower motifs worked into the fabric at intervals but everything was a beige skin-tone. The wearer certainly didn’t look nude, but the effect was much more subtle and attractive. If I come across the photo in the archives, I will publish it. Back to finer examples of Sixties LBDs tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PROPER BLACK TEA OR COCKTAIL DRESS FROM THE POST-WWII ERA

Frilled up a little by the lace inset at the neckline and lace trimming at the hem, this dress would have been accepted at any semi-formal gathering, cocktails or not. Although it’s a little bit “secretary, librarian, school teacher” in it’s modesty, the cap sleeves, peek-a-boo neckline and nipped waistline are a bit flirty. The ever-present black crepe fabric gives it the figure-skimming drape. Elegant, even though it wasn’t the most expensive frock.

Back when dresses were always the expected attire for any gathering that was professional or vaguely formal, this dress was an easy, comfortable design to meet the need. Styles were loosening up a little, though structure was still important and tailoring very elevated. In the 1950’s things changed hugely in Western society and, of course, in fashion. I’ll be investigating during the next few days but we’ll continue the cocktail fashion timeline next week. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON SHEATH – PURE 1930’S DECO STYLE

Sleek and streamlined with a back neckline button closure. Overall gold-tone metal studs. Made of a heavy knit synthetic fabric that still drapes well despite it’s weight. A very business-like dress that would also go to a cocktail party with supreme confidence. This dress has PRESENCE. Worthy of any Hollywood actress of that time – looks like Joan Crawford to me. So completely different from the 1930’s frock in yesterday’s post.

Tomorrow we’ll be edging from the late 1940’s into the early 1950’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By the way, I apologize for the photos that aren’t aligned to vertical. For some reason neither WordPress or my computer will allow me to edit this or I simply don’t know how.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THE “LBD” FROM THE 1920’S AND 1930’S

These two are certainly not designs by Coco Chanel, who came up with the Little Black Dress in 1926, but they still might have been seen at a cocktail party. They’re both oh-so-proper in spite of the loosening restrictions on women’s dress that were happening after the Edwardian 1910’s. The dress on the left, from the Thirties, is not terribly interesting to me but the bodice has those Deco-style pleats in the sheer lace panel that elevate the whole design. It was so amazing to discover it with the original floral ornament in front.

The midi-tea length lace dress from the 1920’s is pretty and would be very swishy over a rayon slip worn underneath. It was discovered in an antique wardrobe at a farm sale. The dropped waist is iconic. This frock was meant for a dressy special occasion rather than a night dancing the Charleston in a speakeasy.

How amazing it was discovering these pieces in such wonderful condition after almost 100 years! Most textile clues don’t last as well over so many decades but there are more to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S POST-WAR NIGHTCLUB DANCE DRESS

I’m back in black today, but more color coming. I really loved discovering this frock in Texas. Sold by an upscale privately-owned clothing company that had it’s own label. The trim is black velvet tube ribbon and the skirt is made for swingin’ and swayin’. Perfect for wearing to any dance hall or vibrant party, and we know that Texans love to party!

It’s got ruching on the sleeves, which was a favorite ’40’s tailoring feature. Nipped waist and wide skirt plus a midi hem puts in firmly in the post-war time frame. So much fun to discover – a fun dress from a very jubilant time in history. More Forties fashion coming, but dressing it up with an international twist. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT MOD TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD

From the early to mid-1960’s, a sleek, sleeveless classic sheath style cocktail dress with a boat neckline, which I love. It’s knee to bottom-of-knee length, which is a very flattering hemline on most women and was common at that time right before almost everything had an above-the-knee or mini length. It’s so hard to get good detail on black clothing in photos, but this one is easier because the only decoration is a medium-width band of black beading at the waistline. Very well-tailored in a light-medium weight knit fabric with a very nice drape. This one factor takes it over the line from a Summer dress to one for Fall. Good quality, good fit – the signature features of well-made true vintage clothing.

I have more examples in the files of 1960’s LBDs but, in my images file, I ran across a large number of dresses of this type from the 1940’s. I’ll probably break the timeline to put these in the next posts before resuming to LBD’s from the more recent decades. I am traveling back to Headquarters as of tomorrow, so there may be a few days pause while I reorganize. Won’t be long so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSY FROCK – ANOTHER FINELY HAND -TAILORED GARMENT FROM BRITISH HONG KONG

This dress is such a treat! I was so thrilled to uncover it. Look at the marvelous tailoring details and ingenious construction – A basic sheath style, with a heavily-decorated blouson top that appears to be separate, but is attached at the shoulders and fully-lined with a white silk under-blouse. Both layers close with a metal zipper. Hooks and eyes secure the neckline for good fit. The shoulders have strap-holders sewn in. The acetate skirt is also lined with black rayon and has a wide hem allowance plus a walking vent in the rear seam. Hand-finished all over.

In the ’50’s and 1960’s a woman of moderate means could save for the occasional purchase of clothing made this way and more prosperous women had closets full of nothing else. These were the standards of better-made garments during the mid-century. Now even very expensive clothing is sometimes constructed poorly and hardly ever as well as this dress is. The attention to detail and hand-done stitching made clothing fit better look more polished.

Tomorrow I’ll show you another frock from this decade. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

START OF A SERIES: TRUE VINTAGE PIECES FOR COOL, DRESSY EVENINGS

We’re now heading into the season for indoor parties, special occasions and events after the long, lovely summer; Cocktail parties, dinners, dances, recitals, holiday galas – you name it. I’ll be starting a series of posts of pretty, dressy and semi-formal garments in my collection from the 1950’s – 1990’s which will take us into the Fall and even Winter. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Classic True Vintage 1980’s does 1940’s Dressy LBD

Not a big-deal frock by any means, but I picked it up because of the clear 1940’s vibe. I’ve seen and own similar dresses that are true late 1940’s editions. Essential tailoring includes the cut which highlights the fabric drape and the fit on the body. Sexy fit without being clingy. Padded shoulders – very Forties, and cap sleeves – moving into the 1950’s. Rhinestone trim, always super mid-century, and a plunging back view with a conservative impression from the front. A fun surprise in any style.

An original 1940’s would be of at least slightly longer length and might have a side zipper. Again, nothing to celebrate but a worthy imitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Cute LBD with Iconic Mid-century Tailoring Detail

I admit, this dress is no star with regard to overall quality. Very middle-of-the-road in that department, but I couldn’t help being struck by the embroidered sheer mesh bodice. This is a detail that I have seen in 1940’s and early 1950’s frocks; usually not since then. The gold thread gives it a holiday feel which makes styles like this appropriate for Christmas events. The fabric leads me to decide that this garment was made in the 1960’s at the earliest – possibly as late as the 1990’s.

I have to give the designer congrats for using this tailoring again. It’s so attractive and feminine, allowing for an interesting neckline without gapping, buckling or too much de’collete’ to allow it to be truly elegant. This frock drapes well and fits beautifully in the bodice. The only improvements I would point out might be a full lining, which would support the lines better without fullness. That would make it a very sophisticated cocktail dress. .

Of course, this one might have been a late 1970’s disco design in which case you wouldn’t want to add any bulk to the skirt or a potentially sweaty lining, for that matter. In any case, it’s cute and can stand proud exactly as it is. Stay tuned for more cocktail frocks, each with it’s own personal character . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM