Tag Archives: tent dress

VERY ICONIC TENT DRESS – A DESIGN INTRODUCED BY MARY QUANT IN 1964

I was absolutely over-the-moon when I discovered this. They are hardly ever seen, in my experience. Women loved the style when it came out because it’s so easy to wear, comfortable and surprisingly cute. However, this design seemed to have a fairly short life in the retail market which may explain why it’s not easy to find as a vintage piece. In this case, the dress has been home-sewn (much more economical that buying a real Mary Quant!) and has a nylon zip, unlike the other 1960’s dresses I’m showing with metal ones.

My mother had a dress made this way, but I never did so was skeptical that I would want to keep it. Big surprise when I tried it on – it looks like a tent (duh!) but is super cute and even flattering (maybe men would disagree). Although the style is meant to be worn beltless, it would also look nice with a belt and give more shape to the body.

Anyway, the big payoff for me is the rarity of this find and it’s firm place in fashion history. Score!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ONE OF A KIND FIND. ICONIC STYLE THAT HAD A MINUTE IN 1964.

This frock is a home-tailored version of Mary Quant’s Tent Dress which she introduced in 1964. It was an immediate hit because it fit every body, was SOOO comfortable and easy to wear and also was a radical fashion departure from the more structured, prissy day and evening dresses up until that time. The closest women had come so far was the summer shift dress that was only acceptable in the most casual settings.

I didn’t think I’d probably keep it at first. Waist-defining styles are usually my preference but then I tried it on. Mega cute!! It’s a little bit mini on me, which makes it just perfect. Just love the aqua color, with a printed repeating pattern of interlocking flowers in pale yellow for just the right amount of contrast. The vintage nylon zip and hook and eye at the neckline are the only hardware needed. Probably won’t even require a slip.

Such a fab find. Although there were similar versions over the following years, I’ll probably never encounter another one as faithful to the original authentic style. But then, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SO UNUSUAL – 1960’S VELVETEEN MINI MATERNITY DRESS!

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What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock.  It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight.  SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.

Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties.  Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long.  But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design?  This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen.  I have to say, it is cute on Stella.

After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HAND-DYED SILK BELTED TENT DRESS

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Custom-tailored in a popular style of the mid-late Sixties, batik dyed silk tent dress that I like to wear belted. It also has a shawl made of the same material that completely transforms the look.

Wearing it un-belted is also a completely different look, but not my style. This cut can work for almost any figure, but really looks great on curvy Madge. That’s her edge over slender Stella, so they’re getting along fine .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HAND-DYED SILK BELTED TENT DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S HAND-DYED SILK BELTED TENT DRESS.