Tag Archives: custom-tailored

FABULOUS FABRIC IS THE SECRET OF THIS TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WRAP DRESS

FABULOUS FABRIC IS THE SECRET OF THIS TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S WRAP DRESS

Through till Monday or so, it’s all about details. This dress doesn’t look like much on the hanger – it’s a custom-tailored wrap dress that needs the body to define it’s shape.

The most interesting points about it are in the construction. It’s a fun style that buttons off-side and has hidden inside ties to shape the waist and tame the overlap.

The seamstress used little metallic buttons and the fabric has gold accents on some of the flowers in the print. It has an Asian flavor to the style and the floral designs.

So far, you’re still saying “OK, ho hum, so what? I see stuff that looks like this all the time.” The big deal in this dress, to my vintage-spotting eye, is the fabric.

It is a closely-woven 100% cotton that looks and feels like nothing new. The best way that I can describe the “hand” (feel) of it is if your grandmother still has cotton sheets from the 1940’s or 1950’s that have gotten soft with wear over the years, but are still strong.

The fabric also has a polish. Good polished cotton is rarely, if ever, seen in modern clothing.

So, that’s the secret of this casual dress and what makes it special. . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DAY DRESS

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DAY DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS

Someone custom-tailored this dress in about 1965. I put the tie belt around it just for effect, but it is an A-line style, which can be worn belt-less, too.

Although it doesn’t show well in this photo, the neckline is a wide, high scoop with a collar. The material is unusual in that it is fairly heavy and is almost embroidered with the floral pattern – not printed. The style and flower design, plus the back metal zipper, are the clues to its age. Although many copycat styles and designs are on the market now, this one just looks different and you have to have a trained eye and know the details to spot it.

It’s always fun to suddenly see a dress like this, because it immediately transports me to the ’60’s and all the mod and English influence that was popular then. That’s what everybody wore, who was not into high fashion. You can see that on any TV show from that time, and in old media photos. Yes, I’m into time-travel and theatrics – such fun!

It’s a medium to large size, and I probably won’t have it altered for myself, but just couldn’t resist. It’s too iconic and authentic. Despite all the miracle fabrics available now, you really can’t improve on the real thing . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

I TURNED MY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS INTO A SLEEVELESS STYLE!

I TURNED MY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS INTO A SLEEVELESS STYLE!.

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DAY DRESS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960'S DAY DRESS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER.

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s.

VINTAGE ASIAN SHEATH, MADE IN THE EAST CIRCA?

ImageThis dress is one of my Mata Hari outfits and  came from a shop in, probably, British Hong Kong – maybe Taiwan or somewhere in China.  It has a label with the shop’s name, but no further info.  It is possibly custom-made, as so many of the dressmakers will do in those countries.

Because it is a classic oriental style and a heavy jacquard material, I am unable to date it really closely – also has none of the identifiers that clothing made in the U.S. often will.

In any case, I love Eastern styles and the beautiful silks that they are often made from.  The older dresses are still found.  Some, like this one, are made from a synthetic blend.  Many contemporary dresses are still being made in the traditional styles, so you have to know how to identify the older ones, if that is what you are seeking.  Kimonos are lovely, too.  I also find blouses, all with beautiful embroidery.

There is nothing more magical and mysterious to wear than Asian fashions, especially the vintage silks.  They have been popular across the world for decades so, wherever you are searching, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

Virtually everything I show on this blog is something I’ve found in the last 15 years or so, since I’ve taken more time to go hunting and investigating. Most of them are recent finds, and I don’t break the bank!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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