Our hero completes the scene of evening relaxation with an iconic lighter by Zippo.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A 1930’S ZIPPO LIGHTER COMPLETES THE PICTURE
Tag Archives: 1930's
AN HISTORICAL CHARM BRACELET FROM THE 1920’S 1930’S 1940’s DEPRESSION – World War ERA
So, when I unpacked this I thought “Oh, a charm bracelet. Those started to become fashionable in the mid-century.” Well, when I looked at it closely it’s no regular charm bracelet. It tells the story of the New Deal and wartime. Those coins are from various European countries, and the United States. Germany, France, Italy and England are represented. Leaving out several players, these are the principal Enemy and western Allies of World Wars 1&2. The little male figures (only men, of course) represent people from different walks of life and levels of society. The Native American, the professor, the businessman, the teamster, the beggar, the Laborer and the Elite. This may represent the New Deal’s aim of leveling the economic playing field across all the population. A great idea. Good luck with that.
Fabulous clue, however. Only a certain type of woman at a certain time and from a certain type of place would wear such a bracelet. Or, perhaps, it was an individual creation worn as an unobtrusive bauble but carrying a coded message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A MYSTERY DRESS THAT I STILL CAN’T DECIDE ABOUT – PROBABLY ’30’S, AND 2 FROM THE ’40’S
Yes, probably 1930’s there on the left, or maybe even ’20’s. It would look completely different with the appropriate undergarments, but still super-unstructured. What a difference 10 years can make. We go from shaped like a bag to built like a battleship in the 1940’s. Especially after a war – everything changes. This can certainly be seen in the fashion world and makes the sleuthing trade a little easier, but a LOT more fascinating . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A 1930’S BLACK CREPE COCKTAIL SHEATH WITH ART DECO EMBELLISHMENTS
Worthy of Ayn Rand and such a fabulous example of a Deco design. Black crepe that drapes beautifully is always the go-to but these metal studs covering the fabric are pure Art Deco of the late 1930’s. The high-rise neckline is not often seen. The shoulders are augmented not with pads but with little fabric wedges that extend them just a bit. A side metal zipper and neckline opening complete the sleek and streamlined silhouette. Like so many fitted frocks of that era, this baby goes on over your head.
Unfortunately, the fit of this dress doesn’t do a thing for me even though it’s my size but it looks great on Stella. I guess that’s why she found the right career. At any rate, it’s a perfect sophisticated disguise for any cocktail party or elite dinner. So many of those occasions take place amongst members of high society and the ruling class the world over – perfect for collecting intelligence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1920’S – 1930’S DROPPED WAIST CREPE DRESS WITH BEADED TRIM
This dress was a really great find and incredibly rare. The slouchy, dropped sleeves, loosely fitted silhouette and tons of beading design are very indicative of the few years pre-war – whether talking about WWI or WWII, although other style elements still were frequently seen. This frock was custom-made for dressy dinner or party events. As often happened with vintage rayon crepe, there is some color fade but the condition of the garment is still remarkable. Since it turned up away from its original home, there are no specific clues associated with it. But, the city in which it was found and where its original owner undoubtedly went about her business has been known, for decades, for its high-rollers, shady dealings and clandestine activities. Need I say more? The case will probably never be closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE FUR CAPE FROM THE 1930’S – 1940′ S – EARLY 1950’s
I just love this cape and it’s little details. I’m an animal rights activist and don’t approve of the fur trade in any way, but I have collected old ones from back in the day.
Not sure what the origin of this fur is. The stripes are clearly dyed, probably to resemble mink. It’s got these funny little tabs to “close” the bottoms of the arm slits, for a better appearance and added warmth.
Of course, it had patches sewn inside with the owner’s initials embroidered on, along with the maker’s label, both of which are gone now. Surprisingly, it’s in great condition for its age – still soft and radiant.
These garments are so full of history that they intrigue me as much as any other vintage fashion. I wear them, too. Some people would say this is hypocritical but I would disagree – buying or wearing antique fur or leather does not support the current market for these things unless someone makes an irresponsible decision. I suggest that we should all be responsible for our choices in the marketplace – so, if you like my vintage fur, don’t use that as an excuse to go out and buy a modern one. Search for another vintage fur at least 50 or more years old or buy an imitation fur replica and do something kind for wildlife or your pet.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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1980’s DOES ’40’s – ’30’s GLAM RAYON VELVET GOWN
This example is one of the few cases where picking up a more modern garment is worthwhile. Although it’s definitely retro and not expensively made, this gown has so many of the true-to-style elements that evening frocks from the 1930’s and 1940’s did – I was delighted to see how much of the styling the designers had gotten “right” and couldn’t resist it as a great costume.
For Halloween or a historical play it will be lots of fun and fits me well.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY SPECIAL OCCASION SILK DRESS FROM AUSTRALIA
Back to my Australian find – I found the best photo and description of this gown and Stella shows it off properly. I gasped when I discovered it. It may even have been a wedding gown back in the Depression and World War days of the 1930’s and 1940’s when they were often simpler. But, I suppose they had the equivalent of “debutantes” in that society, too. The custom of showing off young, marriageable women “of good family background” was a widespread practice that still persists in some places.
Lots of clues: Since Australia is closer to Southern Asia than we are in North America, silk may have been a more popular fabric for better dresses than it was here. A friend of mine says that she remembers the wired necklines from the 1950’s. This dress was made for a VERY tiny person (even more so than Stella), so it could have been floor length on the original owner. Impossible to say for sure.
Anyway, it’s beautiful and unique with an interesting history. I’m glad to have it home where I can show you a better photograph. Fully lined, with covered buttons at the wrists and that collar with wiring all around the edges – it was quite a tailoring project for someone! It’s really one that makes me wonder what stories it can tell . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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