50s Party Dress Gold & Black Shelf Bust Vintage Harlequin Brocade & Net Small VFG
This 1950s vintage evening dress is a Wow! It's a fabulous example of a shelf bust design, except this one is elevated by fan pleating. It definitely enhances the wearer's silhouette! The bodice itself is princess seamed, with a wide velvet ribbon curving to frame the bust, There is a flat velvet bow at the center. The drop waist is a perfect fit & flare, leading to a swingy skirt done in 3 layers of fine net over a crisp faille underskirt.
SIZE: No size label
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Bust, measured from inside | 35" | 89 |
| Natural waist | 26" | 66 |
| Hips | 39" | 99 |
| Bodice length from center neckline | 20" | 50.75 |
| Skirt length | 27" | 68.5 |
| Sweep of underskirt | 116" | 510 |
FABRIC/COLORS: The bodice fabric is a gorgeous black and gold metallic jacquard in a diamond shaped weave that reminds of a harlequin or argyle pattern. The bodice is fully lined in a black faille that is lighter weight than the skirt. The net seems to e nylon, but is a finer net than most 1950s dresses I have seen.
TAGS: No tags at all.
CLOSURES: A long metal zipper in back, with a hook & thread eye at the top.
CONDITION: After close inspection, I found a small hole in the net about a third of the way down the skirt front - very subtle IRL See closeup of top layer -it is present in all 3 layers of net, leading me to suspect a careless cigarette ember, although there is no smoky odor at all. No other issues noted.
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.