Tag Archives: gown

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

This ’20’s – style dress was made in the 1970’s and was probably intended to be a wedding gown.  The design is actually a hybrid ’20’s/’40’s in some ways. As marginal as the 1970’s were with regard to quality fashion (in my opinion), I have found some vintage-inspired garments made during that decade that were pretty cool.

This dress has never been worn – still has a paper inventory tag fastened inside the left sleeve. Also, there are care and content tags, but no maker’s label.

It seems fairly well-made and is an interesting design.  I find it intriguing as a curiosity, mostly, and would put it in the category of the Gunne Sax dresses of that time, many of which were styled after antique fashions.

Was this the remnant of a wedding that never happened, or just dead stock?  I wonder.. . . .  you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I HAVE JUST BECOME CUSTODIAN OF A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING ENSEMBLE FROM 1955

I HAVE JUST BECOME CUSTODIAN OF A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING ENSEMBLE FROM 1955

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Isn’t this just to die for?  Of course, the little bolero jacket comes off to reveal a sleeveless gown with slim straps – that’s for after the ceremony when the party really starts!

The tulle, lace and embroidery plus the poufy skirt are so Fifties and wonderful as can be.  Don’t make ’em like this anymore . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER “NEW” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE – FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

WONDERFUL LATE 1960’S – 1970’S CASUAL PARTY PEASANT DRESS

At first you might think that it’s the same dress I showed yesterday, but no – very different.  Eyelet and lace and peep-through panels and flounces.  One of the best of this genre had been hiding out for a long time.  So glad I nabbed it – and so pristine!

As much as I love the old formals, this frock has a lot more versatility from day to night, though it probably could have gone to the Prom at some smaller school in it’s day.  It would also make an interesting wedding dress.

That’s what’s so much fun about vintage fashion finding (well, one of the things) – the ideas and possibilities are almost endless.  No rules!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! BEAUTIFULLY – TAILORED 1960’S GOWN WITH GORGEOUS DETAIL

What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration.   A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic.  LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back.  It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it.  Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo.   Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.

True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile.  However, this time I just couldn’t resist.  So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS POST-WAR 1940’S OR EARLY 1950’S WEDDING GOWN

What a surprise! I wasn’t expecting this one, but that’s how it goes for the Magicvintagespy. Beautiful, heavy ivory satin fabric, with covered-button and loop front closure, fitted waist and full skirt. Custom-tailoring with hand-finishing on the seams as well as the bead decoration around the wide collar. Vintage metal side zipper.

Though I see many gorgeous wedding gowns in my sleuthing investigations, it’s rare that I will pick one up. In this case, the pristine condition (just a little soil around the hem) and the period-perfect styling made my decision. It will fit in well with my half-dozen other elegant bridal gowns dating from the 1930’s to the Kennedy era early 1960’s.

Can’t wait to see it on Stella (my 1950’s mannequin, for those who are not regular followers). What next – can hardly wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PROM DRESS GETS REFURBISHED

Here’s a mid-century  Prom or dance party dress for Spring.  I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms.  No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.

To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect.  Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.

I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense.  You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES – 1970’S EMPIRE WAIST SEMI-FORMAL LONG DRESS IN NAVY, WITH MATCHING JACKET

IMG_0981 IMG_0982     So typical between the mid-Sixties and mid-Seventies.  In spite of all the frou-frou Edwardian/Prairie/Hippie stuff that was popular, plain knit dresses with clean lines were also a staple – more elegant and timeless, but still very fashionable.

This ensemble is a polyester or poly blend with an empire seam that rises from waist level up under the bust-line in front, fold-over neckline, back zip and a princess cut.  The long-sleeve bolero jacket echos the military trend that was also popular then with it’s metal buttons.

Otherwise, the design is  plain and undecorated.  The fabric has a slight ribbed texture to add interest.  It’s hard to call this dress “semi-formal” because it is so tailored, but at that time the style would not have been a day-dress.

Especially good for Spring or Fall.  What a treat!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE '60'S

Still for cooler weather, but a pretty, peachy color.  It’s hard for me to classify this dress. It’s kind of a hybrid style with an unclear purpose. Part Boho prairie, part Victorian lady, part Prom dress, part hostess gown. Got me!

The prairie-style and long Victorian/Edwardian-style dresses became really popular again in the late Sixties and early Seventies; plus the construction and materials give lots of clues to it’s original era.

Made of a heavy nylon-feeling fabric and has an embroidered makers’ tag. Never seen anything quite like it, but I was intrigued.

Could even be a Spring party dress! Good idea . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM