30s Black Velvet Dress & Jacket Set - sm

From 1939, to be exact, an exquisite evening gown in jet-black velvet with matching jacket fit for a big-screen starlet.

Dress has slim straps, attached sash, and flowing skirt. Bodice features tiny, star-shaped sequins stitched into a jaunty bow, and all the way around. We show the dress sleek and slim, with nothing beneath, but the hem sweep could easily accommodate a large crinoline. Lined at bodice. Dress closes at side with metal zipper. Sash closes at back with snaps and hook&eye at the permanent bow. Straps snap at front inner bodice, and thus are easily adjusted for a custom fit.

Jacket is full-on Hollywood glamour with grand, puffed, upper sleeves (but only small sleeve-head shoulder pads) slimming to elongated points that close with a row of covered buttons. Lots of strategic seaming for a flattering fit. Fully lined. Feels heavenly. 

Made at a boutique in West Virginia, U.S.A. Another gem from the Sherman estate. 

Labels: Mildred's
We found advertisements for Mildred's Dress Shop in Charleston, W.Va., from 1931. It was clearly a high-end boutique, as their least-expensive offerings, even deeply discounted, were more than $150 in today's money. This particular ensemble was purchased in 1939.

Fiber/Care: no tags, velvet feels like silk though may possibly be a cotton and/or rayon blend, dry-clean only

Condition: presents beautifully, but there are some glitches to note.

The dress's hem is chewed up and thinning along the bottom front. we'll let you have it hemmed to your desire length. any fabric salvaged in the process can be used for repairs and patches, as you see fit. with a black slip and the hem finished properly, the thin areas and tiny hole at left back hip would be invisible. but we recommend repairs to prolong the life of the dress. there's a spot of discoloration at the front sequins, as shown. I doubt it's permanent, but our dry-cleaner didn't manage to (or perhaps didn't try) to remove it.

The jacket has the one uncovered button, but otherwise is in excellent shape. we've retacked its lining along the neckline. no other flaws.

*We've had this gown & jacket set professionally dry-cleaned and it's ready to wear.*

Garment Measurements:
DRESS-
 bodice (ctr fr to wst): 11"/28cm
 bust: 32"/81.25cm plus seams to <36"
 waist: 26"/66cm
 hips: free (44"111.5cm at 8"/20cm
   below waist, opening from there)
 skirt length:
  front (to undamaged/straight edge)- 42"/106.5cm
  back- 44.5"/113cm
 hem sweep: 176"/447cm
JACKET-
 shoulders: 14"/
 sleeves: 30"/76cm to point
 bust: 37"/95.25cm
 waist: 29"/73.5cm
 at hem: 31"/78.5cm

FYI, this jacket, which I tried on and nearly kept before I remembered it was part of a set, fits me very nicely. I measure about b:36/w: 26.5/h:36. If you have similar measurements, give or take a smidge, it should work for you.

(BDV SKU: 00582-006)

☞ Our items are not newly manufactured "vintage style" pieces. They are true vintage, at least 20 years old. Please read condition report provided above. ☜

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