Very stylish black dress from the late 1930s or early 1940s.
Made by E. Wilson in inky black lightweight wool, it is trimmed on the pockets with faux fur. A close fitting bodice with beautiful shaped lapels it has no side opening but does have buttons which go partly into the skirt which makes getting into this piece a little easier. It is very low in the neckline but and would most likely have been worn with a dickie or modesty panel. It also looks much better belted. There is a hook and eye at the waist.
Measurements
- flat bust 22"
- flat waist 19"
- flat hip 23"
- underarm sleeve length 17"
- shoulders between sleeves 16"
- neck to waist 16.5"
- neck to hem 46.5"
Condition
It is in very good condition but there are some minor points to note, all of which are reflected in the price.
- at some point someone has fitted modern foam shoulder pads. They do their job and still give the classic 1940s shape but they are not as firm as original pads
- it appears to have been altered at some point, with quite a lot of original fabric remaining on the inner. There are some seams which have been tweaked and there are some areas where the seams could be neater
- someone has added a strip of elastic to the inner back waistband to give a closer fit. This could very easily be removed
- there are a few small darns, especially on the lapels
- there is an iron on repair on the inner skirt, only seen when the dress is inside out
- some wear on the hook and eye at the waist
Still an utterly beautiful dress with lots of life left in it.