#6244 $850
Rudolf appliquéd tulle party dress, c.1950
Every Rudolf dress I have found has been very special. The designs are always nicely detailed, very feminine, and figure-flattering. This one has the cool elegance we associate with Grace Kelly in films like Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954).
The dress features charming ribbon and floral appliqués, a pleated bodice, and very full skirt. The beaded appliqués add a touch of devil-may-care whimsy to the design. The white organdy appliqués are embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery, eyelets, rhinestones, white seed beads, and opaque white sequins. Additional white sequins are sprinkled around the appliqués on the skirt—see the detail pictures below.
The voluminous skirt is fashioned in layers. The lining is purple taffeta; the middle layer is navy silk; and the outer skirt has two layers of navy tulle. The lining hem is stiffened with horsehair.
The pleated bodice is boned on the sides and is lined with purple taffeta. The dress closes on the side with a metal zipper. I photographed the dress over a crinoline, which is not included—you will need a crinoline to support the fullness of the skirt.
The condition is almost excellent. There are a few tiny holes in the skirt lining; they do not show when you wear the dress.
It measures: 36" bust, 28" waist, full over the hip, 9" bodice center front to waist, and 36" skirt length.
