Spectacular 1950s Unlabeled Pink & Gold Glass Bead & Pearl Dress
This dress is is a spectacular example of the high end hand beading that was being produced during this time period. It is harder and harder to find these original pieces that are entirely made of glass beads and with such a heavy covering of bead work. The instant you lift this dress up you know it is an early and well made original because it literally weights about 8 pounds. This is entirely due to the dense and heavy coverage of the beads which literally cover every inch of the dress. The cut is simple but dramatic. It is cut to hug every curve but without clinging. This creates a long lean silhouette that suggests the body underneath and gives the illusion of height. The neckline is a simple scoop at the front and the back dips into a V. The hips are cut with a slight curve to follow the curve of the body and the skirt falls to the floor from there. The back hem has a bit of extra fabric and is slightly longer. The entire dress is densely covered with hand placed pink, gold and silver glass tube beads that are set into angle rows. These are so heavily applied that they cover the entire surface. Worked in among the sequins are a strands of tiny ivory seed beads that are each finished with a faux pearl. There are hundreds of these hand beaded tassels that follow those curving lines. The effect that these create whenever you move is wonderful. I love that no matter what angle you look at it, every line lines up. The time and hours put into making this dress with all that hand work and then lining it all so perfectly would have been astounding. It is amazing. Excellent condition.
Fully lined in a hand set pink silk and closes with a back metal zipper. All the sequins, pearls and beads are completely hand sewn into place. It weighs several pounds. There are some minor grubbiness to the inside lining near the hem but of course this is not seen when on.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of shoulder to front hem, 54" to the back
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML
Item# E671
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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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.