Description
A sequined and beaded early 1940s cocktail dress, this rayon crepe frock features a side-draped peplum that cascades into a ruffle over the left hip. The feathery swirl design of beads and sequins starts at the right front bodice, curving up and over the left shoulder to the back upper-left. The sequins and glass beads are both gold-colored, against the creamy tan rayon crepe in a color I’d call butter pecan—yum! The mid-thigh-length peplum drapes over the narrow skirt in front only, shirred into the longer ruffle just in front of the fabric-covered side seam metal zipper. The dress bodice has a high neckline, slightly tapered bracelet-length sleeves with snaps at the cuffs, and small pleats at the front of each shoulder that add a bit of fullness at the bust. There are small darts at the back of the shoulders, waist, and elbows. The dress has a second metal zipper at the back of the neck. The lightweight rayon crepe fabric is unlined. Thread belt loops are present, but not the original belt. In good, sturdy and wearable condition, this true vintage 1940s dress has several minor issues: a bit of color loss to some of the gold sequins, one tiny mend on the peplum fabric at the right side seam, one small spot at the back of the bodice and 2 very faint marks at the mid-back of the skirt (see close-up photos). None of these should be very noticeable when the dress is worn. Freshly dry-cleaned and ready to wear, the dress will fit best for a petite or regular, rather than a taller person, since the bodice length (underarm to waist measurement) is about 1 inch shorter than average.
Size: XS petite.
- Bust: 35 inches flat to fit up to 34 max.
- Waist: 25 inches flat to fit up to 24 max.
- Hip: 34 inches flat to fit up to 32 max.
- Length: 43 inches from back of neck to hem.
- Underarm to waist: 7 inches.
- Sleeve length: 21.5 inches.
- Shoulder to shoulder: 13.5 inches.
- Label: A Mademoiselle Juliette
