Vintage New Look 1940s Gloves Trimmed with Horsehair Braid and Glass Beads

These are exceptional mid-arm length gloves from circa 1948.

They are entirely hand sewn and a wonderful example of post-WWII era fashion that was profusely inspired by Christian Dior's The New Look.  Certainly, these gloves have that sought after 1940s vintage style and elegance. They are made of finely woven cotton and trimmed with an interlaced plied braid made from horsehair, metallic copper and cotton floss. Thousands of tiny hand stitches were used to create these gloves, which still have the early Lady Gay fabric label inside.  They are finished with twinkling glass beads.   Divine. 

Vintage 1950s Bubble Dress With Crinoline

Authentic to the 1950s, this is a magnificent example of a glamorous lipstick red bubble cocktail dress, styled with original brilliant blue crinolines beneath, as found. The set is in vintage near mint condition. 

It is one of a kind and this is decidedly obvious upon close inspection by the type of stitching and construction methods. The dress appears that this may have been made by a young designer for either herself or a paying client. It is both machine sewn and hand finished. 

Everyone who happened to pass through the photography studio while the dress was being shot on the mannequin was drawn to it. Even the men made a second glance at the mannequin. The dress is absolutely stunning. 

This is the epitome of 1950s glamour and the color could not be more feminine. Created from crimson red cotton velvet, the dress is beautifully tailored and features all the design bells and whistles that could ever be found in a dress like this, authentic to circa 1958. 

With three quarter sleeves and deep neckline styled to enhance a 36 inch or 91.5 cm bust line, the dress is meant to be worn with a push-up bra. The plunging V back is beautifully designed to enhance a woman’s natural curves. 

The fitted waistline slims the waist visually with ruching, and the skirt almost explodes with yard upon yard of fabric. It is absolutely delicious to wear. The crinolines were found with the dress and are regal royal blue. They tease the eye with hints of contrasting color. 

The waist measures at 27.5 inches or 70 cm. The shoulder width, measured at the back, is 18 inches or 145.5 cm. The total length from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the hem is 45 inches or 114.5 cm. The magnificent undulated sweep is 85.5 inches or 220 cm . The skirt length from waist to hem is approximately 29 to 30 inches or 73.5 to 76 cm, measured against the gathered seams. It is lined with cherry red tulle that is designed to support the weight of the bubbled skirt design. 

The interior bodice is unlined but finished with faced seams. The sleeves are 14.5 inches or 37 cm in length with an opening circumference of 11 inches or 28 cm. 

There is a very small label stitched inside the skirt with numbers on it. This appears to be for the designer’s records. There are no names, dates nor any locations mentioned on that label. This was likely referring to the style notations and design efforts involved. The dress has a full zipper in the back with hook and eye closures. 

The crinoline slip is magnificent. There is a label inside and it reads “L-3 50 yards Petti Puff by Ruthe 21” The multi-layers of gathered tulle that make up the slip are perfect for this dress and easily hold the weight of the skirt. The tulle is trimmed with matching lace (please refer to the photograph). The slip is made to pull on and its elastic is supple and strong. This slip beautifully fits well beneath the dress. 

This is a stunning example of the bubble dress style, and certainly strong enough and elegant enough to wear. It will make an eye catching display for curators and will truly be appreciated by anyone who loves 1950s glamour.

Vintage Hollywood 1940s Fur Stole or Mink Capelet with Pockets & Provenance

This magnificent mink fur stole or capelet was offered for sale during the mid-1940s and was worn to Hollywood affairs.

The original owner was a teacher, a writer, an artist. She retired after many years of teaching service at the Indian Schools at both Anadarko, Oklahoma and Santa Fe, New Mexico. With too much spare time on her hands, she decided to teach the needy in Bakersfield, California, where she would also be near her sister and other friends.

Her older sister had been a model and was married to actor Tony Randall. The sisters were close and on occasion, they would meet with

friends in Hollywood and this stole was worn appropriately. Further historical information will be provided to the buyer if requested. This stole has never been on the market since it was first purchased.

The stole is beautifully tailored around the shoulders and has a wide collar that may be pulled up around the face. There are deep set pockets on both sides that are nearly invisible due to the fabulous design. This is a magnificent example and one that may be appreciated by vintage clothing enthusiasts as well as curators.

Fitted, the stole measures approximately 36 inches or 91.5 cm around the bottom edge, or sweep. The collar width is approximately 3.5 inches or 9 cm. The length of the lappets to the front measure approximately 9 inches or 23 cm.

Based on the style, the stole should fit most sizes. The mannequin model is size medium by most standards. The fur is supple. The interior lining is exquisite and clean…pristine. The stole is in vintage overall near mint condition with only a few very minor areas of rubbing of the fur.

Luxurious 1940s Dressage Boots from San Francisco's The White House

From the 1940s, these high quality, leather English riding boots were quite costly in their day.
 Made in England, the boots were sold through The White House, Raphael Weill & Company of San Francisco.

The White House is a well known historical California name, as it was the first dry goods company in San Francisco, opening in 1854.

The French owner, Raphael Weill, expanded the business into one of the most luxurious of all retail establishments during the golden age of department stores.

The Beaux Arts-style building was designed by Albert Pissis, a renowned architect and still stands at 256 Grant Avenue, San Francisco.

Weill’s store featured a glorious tearoom and such lavish elegance; all quite similar to Selfridge’s as seen today in the PBS series.

These exquisite dressage boots were imported from England and sold in the luxurious sporting goods section of this store sometime during the mid 1940s. When first offered for sale, these would have been considered the finest quality. They are complete with the original stretchers and boot hooks and also with The White House cardboard inserts.

The boots appear to fit a women’s slim 7.5 shoe size. The sole measures 11.25 inches or 28.5 cm end to end, across the bottom.

Marked: Mayfair Made in England. Circa 1945.