This gorgeous dress was made in the 1930's from grosgrain fabric in ivory with a fine gold metallic thread running in close stripes throughout. It has been so hard to capture the fineness of the fabric but the material has a glorious sheen and lustre when in the light and the photos simply aren't doing it justice.
A very close fitting bodice, with a v shaped hem, featuring bands of ruching it has neat puff sleeves, with the same ruching, and cut out details on the shoulder. The skirt is pleated and has a wonderful fullness. It also has stiff cotton lining on the hips to help keep the skirt lifted on the side.
Fastening down the left side with a large metal Lightning zip, it would be the perfect dress for a festive ball.
Measurements
This piece is petite and doesn't fit the bust on my mannequin. To ensure that it will fit you properly, please compare the measurements below to a similar piece you already own;
Flat bust in the front 18" and in the back 15" - measurements were taken on the outside of the dress, which is quite thick due to the ruching, so it is best suited for up to a 32"
Flat waist 13"
Hips free
Shoulders between sleeves 15"
Underarm sleeve length 2.5"
Flat cuff 6"
Shoulder to waist 16"
Shoulder to hem 58"
Sweep of skirt at hem 100"
Condition
Structurally very good, the fabric is strong and has no damage but there are some age related marks on the skirt but they get lost within the fullness of the piece. It has been dry cleaned and the marks didn't come off so they are there to stay as the fabric cannot be washed. Most of the marks are near the hem and are green in colour, I'm assuming that someone got the dress wet in these spotted areas and it is the metal that has discoloured the weave, but there is a 6mm black mark on the skirt - see photo. There is also some slight discolouration around the neckline.