Posted on June 25th, 2011 by Stefania
Morning ladies,
You already know I’m a big fan of vintage dresses, so you can imagine my reaction when I received an email from Abigail containing the photos of her new collection of retro wedding dresses! And that’s because I start dreaming of cinema and unforgettable female stars like Marlene Dietrich and Audry Hepburn…
I selected 4 of them, which you will see below with an interesting and detail explanation from Abigail, but you can see the whole collection in the gallery next page…
Alençon lace from the late 1930s (left handside)
This fabulous dress is quite unusual for the period in having a plunging backless detail, but this sexiness is balanced by the demure puff sleeves with soft shoulder pads. The sweetheart neckline gives little indication of the drama of the dress at the back. The Alençon lace is a soft almost putty colour rather than a yellowy ivory, with a floral motif and classic Alençon cording. The dress hugs the high hip before floating off to finish at a flattering calf length. The sash is in matching lace and is styled with a side drape.
Flat lace with jacket mid 1930s (right handside)
An elegant example of mid 30s lace work. The slinky shape of the dress with key hole back is complemented by the matching jacket. The carnation-petal detail around the neck of the jacket adds a touch of softness to the silhouette and an extra touch of glamour. Although the overall affect is one of sexiness this is achieved without overexposure and is somehow still quite demure.
And then the 50s…I love these mid lenght skirts and the laces tops!
Tiered lace with bow detail 1950s (left handside)
This dress is destined to sit on the back a Vespa on the way to Chelsea register office, well if there’s any justice in the world. Sassy but still very pretty the lace is given fullness by the tiered skirt. The lace itself is of exceptional quality which levens the frivolity of styling. Bracelet length sleeves and a shelf bust are complemented by a classic mid to late 50s slash neck. Accessorised with its original veil.
High neck organza 1950s (right handside)
The heart shaped taffeta bodice only adds to the dramatic effect produced by the pleated taffeta low back. The silk organza of the front blends into the taffeta of the backskirt and is bought together by a sumptuous taffeta rose that sits at the back waist. The neat shoulder line and sleeve keeps the whole contained and balanced. Givenchy influenced styling in the simplicity and lack of fuss in the cut popular with Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

