This sweet little number was made in original printed 1920s cotton voile, with a fun geometric pattern. It has the very popular sailor neckline ending with a small tie. The fitted sleeves also have a nice detail in the cuffs with criss crossing bands.
Ah, the 1920s. One of my favourite eras in fashion history. As I rarely get the chance to make dresses of this bygone era, I sometimes take the liberty to use yours truly as the dummy and what better way than this sweet little number to prove it. A late 1920s style flapper dress, something Ms Bow or Ms Brooks could have worn.
Made in navy wool jersey, the skirt has two godets both front and back, giving it a beautiful flared effect. Tucks at shoulders and the neck at the back. The jabot is made of original printed 1920s vintage silk crepe. The collar unites with the ends of gabot that have been inserted in two slashed openings at front of dress creating an interesting crossed effect. The fitted narrow sleeves have small triangular wedges at the wrists in printed silk crepe. The dress can be worn with a without a belt, here adorned by a beautiful diamond shaped original mother of pearl Art Deco buckle. Fastens with snap fasteners at the side.
Whenever I get the chance I’ll treat myself to a little something. In this case, in form of this sweet 1930s style skirt. Perfect wardrobe addition and in time for the festivities.
Made in black duchess satin, it has two pleats down the front and the typical lowered seam line on the hip. For colour contrast I decided on a beige Bakelite button on the waistband. Snap fasteners on the side.
I was pretty excited when I got commissioned this iconic grey suit, originally designed by the formidable Edith Head and worn by Kim Novak in the equally classic and one of my favourite Hitchcock films, Vertigo (1958)
I knew it was going to be quite a challenge to make it justice but here I present my little homage.
In beautiful thin striped grey Italian wool, it has wide lapels, fabric covered buttons, two decorative pockets (I’m not quite sure if the original Edith Head design had actual functional pockets)but I decided to go for these, just for the line of the suit jacket. The jacket itself is slightly form fitting with the added darts. The sleeves have small rounded cuffs. The skirt is calf length, with a central back slit and it fastens with a zipper at the side seam.
This beautiful mid-1950s style swing coat, also known as the Suzie Parker coat in yellow mohair is definitely a stand out piece and very typical of the era.
With it’s stand up collar and wide sleeves with equally wide cuffs and the curious arrow shaped embedded pockets and the distinguished trapeze shape will no doubt turn a few heads.
This lovely turquoise 1950s style cocktail dress in silk chiffon and silk satin has it’s distinct silhouette of the era, with the full skirt, 3/4 length sleeves and the fitted bodice ruched at shoulders with a v- neckline both front and back and giving it a nice little touch are the asymmetrically placed lace floral motifs on the wide cummerbund and the right shoulder. Fastens with a zipper at the back.
Worn here by the lovely Sarah.
This plaid linen and cream cotton darling is the little sister to the original Nettie dress. Also cut on bias gives it a beautiful silhouette very typical of the 1930s. It features an original vintage 1930s button and buckle.
This dress was originally going to be part of my 2014 “The 1930s bow dress collection”, which didn’t make it at the time, but I’m now adding as a latecomer to the party, in this case minus the bow. And as I always wanted to use this particular original vintage plaid cotton fabric, here is the result;
Cut on bias, with panelling, instantly forming the very popular zig-zag motif of the era, contrasting with the geometric art deco style front panel peaking towards the waist and adorned with a bakelite button, with a slight cowl neckline. Also with a similar v forming at the back. Complemented by a belt with bakelite buckle. With snap fasteners at the side.This sweet little dress would have been perfect at a summer gathering in the early 1930s.
Sometimes you get the time to treat yourself and here’s the result; this sweet early 1930s inspired dress in seersucker cotton has that vibe of the feedsack fabric dresses of the Prohibition era. A very big favourite of the era, cutting fabrics on bias, in this case a stripey one (if they weren’t already printed diagonally) creating the diamond effect, both at the front and the back. The contrasting square collar in navy cotton has the fun, tie like finish and with beautiful diamond shape burgundy bakelite art deco buttons. Fastens with snap fasteners at the side.
Interviewed by the lovely Emily from The Pretty and The Kitsch
Today I am thrilled to be interviewing the lovely Irma of The Vintage Dressmaker. Irma is an extremely talented seamstress and her 1930’s and 1940’s inspired dresses are absolutely amazing. It was so much fun getting to know her and learn more about her work!
I hope you all enjoy this interview, and that you make sure to check out Irma’s beautiful dresses!
Tell us about your business, The Vintage Dressmaker!
I’m a self-employed dressmaker and designer specializing in 1920-1950s style womenswear. I work mainly with private clients but have also made dresses for shops and costume houses. I guess I’m what you could call an all-in-one as I design, draw patterns, source fabrics and trimmings and make the dresses. Though more challenging it is also the most satisfying thing about my business as I’m part of the whole process and as such, in control of all aspects of…
View original post 1,841 more words
