Just had to re-photograph this lovely rayon gown from Paris in order to show it off properly. I’ll do a couple more with my recent wedding gown finds.
It’s from somewhere between 1920 and 1945. Haven’t had time to research more extensively. Love the old-style ruching and lace – so beautiful and rare.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK
I absolutely love this! The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing. It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed. After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.
Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling. It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear. With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress. And it’s French! From Paris!! What more could I ask . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S
First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models. She is from France, possibly via Montreal. Just look at that attitude! Although she’s new at this, she was born for it. Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds. I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?
This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit. The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective. Leave it to the French!
Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework. Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Staying in the early 20th Century for a brief while, here are two costume bead necklaces from the 1920’s. Longer length, which was popular then, twirling and bouncing down the front of ladies’ Spring frocks.
Although these are certainly not a dime-a-dozen all over the place, fortunately for us they have survived the years better than their clothing counterparts from that day.
Wonderful finds!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.
The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly. It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.
The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).
Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s something unusual . . .
This is a pretty tame full slip, made of cotton batiste for wearing under summer clothing in hot weather. There don’t seem to be many of these around, and usually they are not as nicely embellished as this one.
But, just look at that ruching and lace. It’s lovely, sweet and would be so cool. Now, women might wear THIS as a summer dress! There’s also a deep ruffle at the hem.
The length gives it away as a 1940’s to 1950’s style. Because of the label, I’m going to go with the ’50’s.
Of course, on really hot days it’s nice not to be wearing more than one layer. But, if you’ve got a pretty, sheer dress on in the bright sun, well, it’s up to you but I’ll wear the slip.
Cotton, naturally, is better than nylon (can you imagine!?) when it’s 95 degrees in the shade. I’m…
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Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there. Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.
Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books. One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details. I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect. She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day. Well worth a visit.
“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters. They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise. Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore. I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition. No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest. They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month. Don’t miss it – lots of fun.
So there – what a treat! Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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