vintage 1930s rich velvet bias cut evening dress with split sleeves and rhinestones
Quite a showstopper, this rich purple burgundy velvet 1930s evening dress, with ruched details to neckline and cuffs, split/peekaboo sleeves, and deep 10" long opening to centre back with fastens with double buttons to top, and a hook and eye. It has a fit and flare type panelled skirt, cut on the bias.
The sleeves I think are worn to be pushed up, lantern style with a split.
The dress comes with original matching belt. It has a large prong set rhinestone design to the front, and fastens to the rear with a square fabric cover slide buckle.
The only opening to the dress is at the back neckline, so please be aware that you will need to have (typically 30s!) fairly slim bust/hips - they will need to fit through this gap (this measures 38” absolute max) one way or another. It would actually be possible to enlarge the opening at the back seam which may help a little!
It has what looks like an American order/production label in the shoulder seam - very worn.
Measures: Approx. a modern UK8/10? Shown unclipped on UK 8 mannequin
Bust 38"/40" max (draped effect)
Waist 30", can be belted to fit
Hips 36/38" max
Length from nape to hem 54"
Shoulder seam to seam 15"
Shoulder to (high) waist seam measured down side 14"
Condition:
Commercially made, the finish is good.. just not exactly a couture finish.
- The bodice front is backed with net, which has torn in a couple of places. This doesn't affect anything and is unseen when worn
- The velvet has a number of pressure marks and scattered small crush marks when you start to inspect it, but it just gives it a slightly crushed velvet appearance.
- The belt buckle is worn to the top edges. Also, it will only sit with with both rhinestones and buckle centrally if worn nearly at maximum size as shown last few photos.
You could adjust the belt to shorten it quite easily, once you know where you want the buckle to sit centrally at a smaller size, but thought there was no point me doing that!
No holes or damage externally, no marks. All rhinestones present to belt, it's immediately wearable as it comes.
