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Exquisite 40's Interpretation of a Civil War Ballgown

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Bust : 40”     Waist : 30”
Hips : free   Back @ Shoulder Blade : 14”
Length : 59”   
Armhole : 16”    Train : Chapel
Price : $ 925.00  
During World War II, patriotic designers and brides often took inspiration from historic American fashions. This gown is inspired by the ballgowns of the mid-Victorian era interpreted with exuburent 40's flair.

Contrary to popular belief, wedding gowns and bridal fabrics were never rationed in the US as beautiful brides were considered essential to the morale of our fighting men. Even so, Americans were generally conservation-minded - but you'd never know it by looking at this gown.

No skimping here - only the lavish use of the finest, most lustrous slipper satin, exquisite hand-embroidery of pearls (two shades), hand-cut French bugles in iridescent white, and the most amazing rhinestones I've ever seen. The aurora borealis rhinestones sparkle in rainbow colors and are in dark settings which heightens their richness.

The full bodice tapers into a slim little waist which opens into a full skirt accented with embroidered peplums at the hip. These flow into two festoons of satin which accent the train. The jewel neckline (beaded as well) tapers into an elegant V in the back. Exquisite vintage condition.




 

Sultry & Sophisticated 40's Sweetheart Gown

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Bust : 41”     Waist : 32”
Hips : free   Back @ Shoulder Blade : 15”
Length : 58”   
Armhole : 18”    Train : Demi-Chapel
Price : $ 475.00  
The girlish sweetheart neckline, a signature element of 40's fashion, is all grown up in this sophisticated 40's gown. Deep shoulder yokes are embellished with lace flowers outlined in silver bugle beads. The silver beads have darkened with age (they always do) but the contrast actually enhances the design. The generous bustline (with roomy cups) is gathered into a smooth and slim midriff which elongates the torso. Of quality medium-weight candlelight ivory slipper satin with a shorter chapel train in proportion to the lines of the gown. Excellent condition.



 

Larger 40's Gown of Luxurious Satin & Beadwork

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Bust : 40”     Waist : 30.5”
Hips : free   Back @ Shoulder Blade : 15”
Length : 59”   
Armhole : 18”    Train : chapel
Price : $ 750.00  
Finest quality post-war gown is made of the richest gleaming satin and embellished with lavish beadwork in a stylized folliage motif outlined in silver bugle beads. As always, the silver beads have darkened with age, but this only adds definition to the design. Beautifully made gown in a great size. No label, but obviously designer made.



 

Post-War Gown of Rich Satin

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Bust : 36.5”     Waist : 28”
Hips : Free   Back @ Shoulder Blade : 14”
Length : 53.5”   
Armhole : 14”    Train : Chapel
Price : $ 550.00  
Lustrous satin is the star of this exquisite gown from the late 1940s. The color is of warm candlelight, and ruching at shoulder and hip adds a subtle glow. Shown without a hoop as it would have likely been worn originally, but when a hoop is added, the gown's silhouette is transformed into that of an 1860's ballgown. Gown is somewhat short-waisted, the length of the bodice from shoulder seam to waist is 15."

Gown can easily be transformed into a Victorian style gown with the addition of a hoop, shortening or elimination of the train and removing the sleeves and netting at throat. This type of rayon satin also dyes beautifully.



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