The skirt and waist for this pre-Civil War ballgown is made from luxurious changeable saphire silk taffeta. Flounces and bertha embroidered with a Victorian motif in cream and gold thread. Bell sleeves use a modern silk version of embroidered organdy with blue ribbon adornment.
Pattern drafted from photos.
1924 Ostrich Feather Gown
Designed by Soulie as a private commission for a French madame and illustrated in the October 18, 1924 issue of L'Art et la Mode, this ostrich feather down is reproduced in a silver cotton lame. Straps are twisted and sewn in place. The full-size ostrich feathers are affixed to a black tulle layer that can be removed (unsnapped) so that the gown can be dry cleaned.
Fun to wear, yes, you also CAN sit down in this dress.
Inspired by a black beaded vintage gown I purchased, I created its photographic negative in off-white silk chiffon and copper beading. Beaded with vintage round copper beads, modern Czechoslovakian seed beads and Swarovski crystals. Fringe (a modern polyester equivalent rather than the original silk) was individually cut and tied to dress.
This costume earned two awards at CostumeCon 26 in San Jose, CA, in 2008: Best in Show: Documentation (research) and Best in Class: Journeyman.
A sheer silk chiffon dress intended to be worn over a costume slip. Cowl collar at neckline. Unique sleeve treatment with flounces that are not stitched into the armband, but left loose. Armband buttons. Four-piece skirt has box pleats in front. Left side closure with snaps.
Carmen Miranda's costume of black sequins and over 150 yards of pink and black tulle. Gloves on both sides are part of the sleeves and are sewn into the dress at the armscye. Hot pink satin lines the palm of the gloves.
This costume earned two awards at CostumeCon 24 in Des Moines, IA, in 2006: Best in Show: Epic Movies, Historical and the GBACG Rising Star award for excellence in Historical Costume.
This dress is a reproduction made in silk chiffon with a Hawaiian print featuring red hibscus and green tropical leaves. The lining is a soft cream silk. Left side closure with snaps.
Pattern was first advertised by Vogue in 1947, just two years after the close of World War II and at the peak of the swing dance era.