1960's Hattie Carnegie Silk Brocade Gown with Matching Wrap

"Hattie Carnegie Blue Room" label. Carnegie started off designing hats and graduated to custom couture and ready-to-wear clothing. Her company employed a long list of top fashion designers through the years, such as: Norman Norell, Gustave Tassell, James Galanos, Jean Louis Scherrer and Pauline Trigere. Unfortunately these designers were not given credit on the labels. But, collectors look for signs of these designers to collect. This early to mid 60's gown is made of silk brocade, in a coral red with platinum lame' flowers. The gown is fitted through the bodice, and then has a full skirt that is lightly pleated around the waist. A simple design, easy to wear and dressy enough for a formal occasion. The gown is lined in matching red silk organza and the skirt has it's own sewn-in red silk tulle crinoline. The gown fastens with an off-center back metal zipper placket. It is beautifully made and has it's original matching brocade wrap. The gown is in very good condition, exceptionally good. The lining is perfect. The brocade only has two flaws: three of the lame' flowers are starting to tarnish a bit and look faded in small areas. There is a dime sized faint brown spot on the back skirt about 9" below waist. Size medium-large. Measures up to 38" bust, 29" waist, 42" hips, 15 1/2" shoulder to waist, 42" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here. For a close up view click here. For a view of the label click here.

Item #WCARN

Size: Medium 38" 29" 42"

1960's Silk Twill Polka Dot Tailored Day Dress - Mad Men

No labels, this dress is beautifully made and immaculate! Silk twill, feels like it has satin finish in black with cream dots. The fabric has a crisp, taffeta light body with a bit of structure, only with a  matte satin finish - really gorgeous!  Slightly fitted sheath style, with strategically darted "shelf" bust, fitted waist, and A-line skirt. Has original rhinestone sew on pin, too. Lined in silk organza. Back metal zipper. Pristine condition. Size medium-large. Measures 16" shoulder to shoulder seam, 38" bust, 29" waist, 38" hips, 15" shoulder to waist, 25" waist to hem. There is about 4" of hem allowance if you want to lengthen the hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here. For a close up of bodice click here.

Item #WDOTT

Size: Medium-large 38" 29" 38"

Price: $140.00/shipping

1950's Herbert Sondheim Sculptural Plum Satin Cocktail Dress

"Herbert Sondheim New York" label. Sondheim is the son of composer Stephen Sondheim. He loved Parisian fashion and attended all the shows where I am sure he got much inspiration. This cocktail dress is done in dark plum silk satin, a very luscious fabric with just enough stiffness to hold it's shape, but still be soft to the touch. The dress is beautifully constructed. The wide-cut neckline - part of the surplice bodice, has a deep V exposing the beautifully made under-bodice lining. There are decorative pleats to the bodice/bust area, cap sleeves with gussets, and the neckline sits up slightly off the neckline and at the edge of the shoulders, exposing matching satin straps. The under bodice is constructed of matching plum silk and satin and is fashioned like a slip with wider straps. Dress has a fitted waist and straight skirt with sculptural side bow. The skirt is lined in a matching organza fabric. The dress fastens with back metal zipper. In near mint condition. The dress is clean and pressed, has a single horizontal line going across the front skirt above the hemline, looks like a possible pulled thread, there are no loose or hanging threads, just this remnant that there once was one. That's it! In beautiful condition. Size medium-large. Measures 17" shoulder to shoulder edge, up to 39" bust, 29" waist, 39" hips, 17" shoulder to waist, 24" waist to hem. Hem has probably been shortened from original length. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here. For a close up view of bodice click here. For a view of the label click here.

Item #WHEI

Size: Medium-large 39" 29" 39"

1949 New Look Satin Taffeta Dress with Rhinestones and a Touch of Velvet

No labels found, very nicely made and looks like a Maxwell Shieff design. This is a beautifully constructed matte black silk taffeta (with a satin finish) dress with the classic fit and flare style of the New Look. This dress has interesting details and is a unique and original design. Styled with a sweetheart neckline with "winged" sleeves that actually fastens with hooks and eyes at the shoulder. There is a cord halter strap, held down by large decorative  black Lucite and rhinestone encrusted buttons. The skirt is very, very full and has a side inverted pleat with an inset panel of black silk velvet, just a little touch of drama. The same double cord held down by large rhinestone buttons fastened into loops adorn the skirt. There are pin-tucked pleats at each bust. The straps are lined, the rest of the dress is not. Fastens with side metal zipper. In excellent clean condition although has one flaw: lower back skirt right above hem, a long 5" milky white-ish smudge line. I have not tried to treat or clean the line. Size small-medium. Measures  36" bust, 27" waist, free hips, 15 3/4" shoulder to waist, 29" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here and here. For a back view click here.

Item #WGEM

Size: Small 36" 27" free hips

1940s Rayon Lily of the Valley Print Dress - Minty - Medium Size

No labels found, professional quality construction. This dress is in like new, mint condition and still has it's original self fabric belt. Dark chocolate brown background with lily of the valley and swirl print. The flowers are aqua, green and white, the swirls are white. The dress has a shirtwaist bodice with novelty plastic buttons, and a pointy collar, The waist is fitted, the skirt has shirred pockets at hip level. The skirt flares at the hem. The dress has side metal zipper. In pristine condition. Size medium. Measures 16" shoulder to shoulder edge, up to 37" bust, 28" waist, 37" hips, 16" shoulder to waist, 29" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here. For a close up view click here.

Item #WEAL

Size: Medium 37" 28" 37"