1950s Unlabeled Pale Baby Blue Dress w Ivory Crinkle Ribbon Applique
This is a wonderful dress from the fifties that is beautifully feminine and romantic in feel. It is so rare to find these really outstanding fifties pieces any more and I am extra appreciative when they come into the shop. The fabric that has been used for the base is a lightweight soft cotton mix. It is almost surprising to see such a light and supple fabric used for a structured dress like this. It is all the work on the inside that give it the lines that you see. The skirt is cut to be very full. It has a built in underskirt that is made of a starched/stiffened muslin that is then finished with a layer of tulle along the bottom for volume. I then photoed it with an additional crinoline underneath of that layer so you can get a true sense of the volume that is there. You could even go fuller if you wished. If you chose to wear it with no crinoline you would still get a lot of volume and movement. The structure through the bodice comes from the extensive ribbon embellishment. This has been hand applied onto the fabric so that is completely covers the bodice to the waist and then tapers off into pretty tendrils as it trails down and over the skirt. The ribbon on all of these places panels has been shaped and made by hand out of an ivory crinkle ribbon and then the panels hand sewn into place onto the dress. Ivory silk cord is stitched around the tendrils of the skirt so they have a more finished feel. The applique work runs over the full front and back of the dress and add a beautiful 3D element to it. The waist is nipped in and the bodice is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline at the front and a dipped back. This is a really outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Overall excellent condition with some very minor notes to review below.
The bodice is lined with the same blue fabric as the exterior and the skirt has a built in skirt as described above. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. Note in person the blue is slightly more a true baby blue and the ribbon has a slightly more ivory tone to it and it not a true stark white. There is a very slight storage spot on the ribbon on the top of one shoulder (see the very last photo) and perhaps some slight grubbiness to the ribbon along the edges here and there but this is more a cause from time and natural patina. I am being extremely picky. The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back. The crinoline used in the styling is not include.
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from top of shoulder hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# E661
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!
Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:
- We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
- payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
- The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
- items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit
We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.
Want it faster?
We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.
SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.