#6631 $950
Silk devoré velvet dress , 1930s
I photographed the dress on a white mannequin without a slip so you can see the fabulous Deco leaf pattern on this superb period textile. If you wear it over a black slip, the pattern will show to best advantage.
The dress is fashioned from sensual silk velvet that gently molds to your curves. It closes on one side with hooks and snaps. The bodice is shaped with center-front bustline gathers. The gored skirt is smooth over the hip, flaring slightly below the knee.
Although velvet was first made from silk in the Middle Ages, the devoré technique was invented in France only about 100 years ago. The process uses a chemical gel to dissolve (devour or "devoré" in French) cellulose plant fiber to leave shadows of silk chiffon amid deep velvet pile. Devoré velvet became all the rage in the 1920s and is just now making a comeback.
The mark of a truly fashionable garment is that it remains ultra-stylish 80 years later, as does this amazing velvet dress. Name, wealth, and even a beautiful face are devalued if style is absent, when the myth of elegance is lost.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
It measures: 38" bust, 30" waist, 40" hip, and 48" from the shoulder to the hem.
