This pretty piece was made in the 1940's.
Made from floppy black crepe it features three-quarter length sleeves, a floaty front peplum, covered button closure at the back neck and clusters of sparky sequins. It is a home-sewn piece, but done to a high standard with bound armhole seams and a side gusset which fastens with poppers.
At some point this has had some alterations. The panel in the middle has been replaced. Whoever did the alteration has shortened the sleeves to obtain the piece of fabric used in the modesty panel. The insert has been hand-sewn in and the fabric on the back has a lot of spare and could have been done neater. The final photograph shows the reverse of the insert.
Please note the dress is pinned on the mannequin.
Measurements
This piece will best fit up to a 38-32-40 but to ensure that it will fit you properly, please compare the measurements below to a similar piece you already own;
Flat bust 20"
Flat waist 17"
Flat hip 21"
Shoulders between sleeves 14"
Neck to waist 16.25"
Length 42"
Underarm sleeve length 13"
Condition
Good with some points to note;
- some of the gelatine sequins are shrivelled and must have got hot at some points
- slight iron shine
- a small scuff on the right sleeve where it meets the bodice
- stitch lines visible on the sleeves where the shirring has been removed
- there appear to be some small clusters of sequins missing