#4138 $650
Mixed lace two-piece dress, 1940s
This charming dress is so pretty and feminine with its fine Alençon lace. The style is far from that of the fashion "uniforms" we associate with the 1940s. Here is a dress for the artistically fashion conscious woman who knows how to make her first impression a gratifying, lasting one.
The ensemble is made from black floral lace and is trimmed with beige Alençon lace. The blouse front, cuffs, and skirt hem have scalloped borders of Alençon lace. The skirt closes at the waist with hooks. It has been relined with a black, cotton type blend.
The blouse closes in front with crocheted ball buttons and thread loops. I love the way the ruffled stand-up lace collar frames the face. Our dress is a twofer—wear it as is or wear the jacket/blouse with jeans.
Alençon lace ("Queen of laces") is a needle lace with a floral design on a sheer net background. Louis XIV established a Royal Lace Workshop in Alençon to produce lace influenced by the Venetian style. The unique style became associated with Alençon. The style went into decline after the French Revolution but regained prominence in the 19th century.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
The blouse measures: 38" bust and waist, 17" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam,
23" sleeve length, and 20" from shoulder to hem.
The full skirt has a 28" waist and 34" length.
