ARCHIVE - 1930s Ivory Satin Wedding Dress

This original 1930s ivory satin wedding dress is a very wearable and has well executed bias cut panels showing considerable pattern and cutting skills. The satin is a bright and shiny ivory colour. The V neck has little bust darts for shaping and the torso panel is a deep V contour which marries well with the centre front seam of the skirt. The dress is made up of several large panels of fabric cut on the bias (45 degrees) giving the skirt a wonderful flare effect from the hip to the rear of the dress. In addition the back of the dress has a smaller tail shaped insert to shape the derriere beautifully. There is a deep V low back to this piece. Another design feature of this dress is the attached frill arm capelets.

In line with typical dresses of this era, there are no zips so this dress does up on the left side with several hook and eyes as well as popper fastenings. It is a generous size for something of its age and would fit up UK size 10 -12, US size 6-8 but can be worn by size UK 8, US 4 as well for a looser fit. Our model is a UK 8 on top and UK 10 on the hip. The dress presents very nicely overall - the quality of the fabric is very good, it looks silky and floaty. There are gentle signs of wear and use but no holes or rips. There is a gentle abrasion - very minor in nature - on the bust line and could be covered if desired by an applique. In certain lights one or two small markings can be seen and more so in bright light but the dress looks absolutely perfect in indoor settings. The dress is not labelled but the maker certainly knew a thing or two about pattern cutting and the smocking on the armlets is very tidy. These may need to be slightly adjusted for the new wearer but it is a very easy adjustment; they could also be removed if desired.

MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 35 in. (89 cm)
WAIST - 31 in. (78.7 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (96.5 cm)
LENGTH - 59.5 in. (151.1 cm)
SHOULDERS - 15 in. (38.1 cm)