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.

Circa 1951 Vintage Hat With Matching Gloves

Bows! 

This is an estate find and it is a rare treat to find a matching set that was obviously carefully chosen as an ensemble by the original owner. This has not been on the market since the set was first purchased about 60 years ago. 

The hat and gloves are perfectly coordinated! 

From the 1950s, this matching set in a color that is unusual and warm. It is the color of hot chocolate with extra cream...or perhaps a steamy latte.

If you are looking for a vintage gift for a 50s vintage clothing enthusiast, this set is recommended and should delight! 

Vintage 1950s Red Velvet Dress Trimmed with Original Owner's Rhinestone Brooch

There is something magical about finding antique or vintage clothing with stories or hints about the original owner. 

This dress has that appeal since its original rhinestone jewelled brooch remains in place from when it was last worn about 6 decades ago.

It is lipstick red and it is quite a beautiful example dating to the late 1950s. 

Made from soft cotton velveteen, the dress drapes beautifully over the figure.

The paneled circle skirt has one pocket on the right side and its length ends just below the knee.

The front of the dress has a dropped princess cut, although the waist is actually centered across the hips. 

Seamstresses and clothing designers, especially, will find it interesting that there are no shoulder seams to  interfere with the bodice's sleek design. The original 1950s embroidered label read Tonny Herbert Original. 

There is no background information about this designer to offer, even though we have spent a goodly amount of time doing the research.

The original rhinestone brooch is original to the dress. It has 14 glistening rhinestones along the bar, including one that caps each end. 

This brilliant dress is entirely authentic and its design features that graceful silhouette which accentuates those unmistakable 1950s curves.  

It will make a magnificent, eye-catching display for museums, especially for 1950s Holiday displays.

Vintage California 1950s Sun Dress

This wonderful sundress was designed and sold in sunny California during the mid 1950s. 

Both elegant and seductive, it is designed to show off your feminine curves and hourglass figure. The design has that Marilyn Monroe styled silhouette...it is certainly made for that 36-24-36 figure that was so sensual and fashionable during this era.

It is made from mercerized cotton twill with that unmistakable, satin-like lustre. The rich, romantic blue, lilac, gray and beige floral print is carefully cut, matched and perfectly pieced together.

The high-busted, sweetheart neckline is held in place with a total of 16 violet-colored spring straps. The natural waist is tightly tailored at 24 inches or 61 cm.

The bodice is fully lined with cotton muslin.

There are no stays. The high bust has central horizontal double darts and measures 36 inches or 91.44 cm. The bodice is designed to close with a long metal zipper at the back. 

The label reads Billy-Dee Made in California.