This is a very special dress – the one that the actress playing the “vixen” would wear in a 1950’s movie. Or, the devil with the red dress on. . . . . . . . .
Taffeta seems to be one of the favorite “special dress” fabrics from the ’50’s. I also love boat necks and 3/4 sleeves. Fire engine red always makes a statement. It’s not a debutante party frock – about 100 miles from the little white one I just posted!
I would really like to know the history of this one. Based on where I discovered it, I suspect that it was worn by a small-time bad girl or a wannabe.
One of those “in your dreams” dresses. It’s always good to have at least a few of those handy because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The Koret company made women’s clothing starting in the 1930’s or 1940’s and had several off-shoots over the years. This lovely day-dress is a plus size, believe it or not, by a division called Korelle. It would now fit what we would call a medium size.
It’s made of a heavy, slinky nylon, polyester or blend and look at those colors! I have another one very much like it.
There’s a metal zipper at the waist on the left, and the fabric-covered belt. The buttons have huge blue rhinestones in them.
I just love the colors. This type of material takes color so well and drapes so nicely. The style is always flattering.
Koret made some very nice things over the years and they are still in business, apparently, though I can’t say that what they produce now is particularly distinguished. Only the true vintage examples that have been in hiding are worth searching for . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’m not sure where this would have been worn in the late 1940’s or early ’50’s. Probably to a party, dance or some dressy but non-formal event.
It’s beautiful in it’s cut and drape. The back has a low dip (not to the waist). There’s a bit of Grecian feel to it with the folds around the bodice. Just another of those lovely frocks that women loved then.
The fabric is relatively heavy – a polished cotton in medium aquamarine blue. Maybe it’s cornflower blue. The welts across the skirt add to the quintessentially beautiful tailoring we almost always see from that time.
The skirt is almost a full circle, so it’s just made for dancing. There’s no crinoline – so it is from before “that” time, though you could easily put one under, and maybe someone did . … . .. you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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