1940s White Satin Wedding Dress with Train
This enchanting 1940s satin wedding gown was retailed by “Bourne & Hollingsworth” and refers to the luxury department store that used to sit on Oxford Street in central London. The opulent silvery white satin fabric is unlined and expertly tailored to a bias-cut to create a flattering fairy-tale silhouette. Delicate piped seams create an unusual, pretty zig-zag detailing across the waist and bust. The attention-grabbing back is secured with delicate fabric-covered buttons which fasten onto individual fabric loops. The long sleeves taper at the wrist to form a point over the top of each hand. The gown is bias cut to allow for greater freedom of movement in the hip and falls elegantly to the floor at the front. The train at the reverse of the gown is tapered gently and there is a discrete satin loop that can be worn over the finger, or held by the bridal procession to elevate the fabric. This dress presents very well with an overall fresh appearance. A best fit for a UK 6 or US 2, we consider this dress to be in very good vintage condition overall with the following notes.
There are one or two very minor pulls in the fabric of the skirt together with a small area of scuffing to the rear half way down the dress. Faint markings are on the train area towards the floor and there is a faint orange coloured line toward the bottom hem on the front. None of these are noticeable when worn. A rare survivor from this period and a particularly nice example of a dress made during the 'CC41' period of clothing rationing in the UK.
Our model (5ft 4in / 163 cm) is a UK 6-8, this dress fit her well with a little room in the bust.
MEASUREMENTS:
BUST - 29 in. (74 cm)
WAIST - 24 in. (61.5 cm)
HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)
LENGTH (FRONT) - 57 in. (145 cm)
LENGTH (BACK) - 76 in. (193 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking?
We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal