Vintage clothes - how to tell if original?

[ThePskettiIncident]

I have a beautiful heavy brocade ballgown, very Art Deco styling, but it has no labels.

Any ideas how to tell if it's original, or what date it may come from? It's in very good condition and beautifully made, but I would like to find out a bit more about it.

I bought it from a vintage store a good ten years or more ago before too many people were really focused on vintage clothes, so no real history there either!

I sell vintage clothes so have a bit of insight here.

If it has no labels, it is probably handmade, which likely does make it vintage. There are ways of dating handmade dresses by style and also design features e.g. zip placement. A metal zip placed at the side of the bodice would probably date the dress to 1950s. 1960s and beyond dresses tended to have nylon zips placed at the back of the bodice. 1940s and earlier dresses would have had poppers rather than zips. This is slightly simplistic but you get the idea.

This website is a great resource if you want to find out more. There are many experts on the forums who will give their opinions if you post pictures of your dress.

Thank you!

The zip is nylon at the back. It's lined with cotton, or possibly cheesecloth. Just found a label too, very brief and not p

Sorry!

It's very simple, says Emenson.

I just had a quick check on google and not many there and none that look vaguely like mine.

It's a good mystery!

Thanks for the link and info

I love a good mystery!

Zip type and placement would suggest that your dress is from no earlier than 60s or possibly very late 50s at a push. I've not heard of Emenson but my googling tells me they made wedding and evening gowns from 1940s-1970s. I'm sure with perseverance you'll be able to find out more.

Good luck with your research and be careful - it's addictive!

I found one very similar on sale for about £120 and dated to the 60s Amazed!

It is a lovely dress, so will see what else I can find.