The Dress

Vintage Ivory Silk Charmeuse (satin appearance silk-Duponni) 1965 Unique Custom-made design floor length gown, one of a kind (Toronto possibly at Joy Cherry or Francis of Toronto;no label; believed to be handmade to fit original bride by tailor).
48"-50" length with 4" extra material in hem to lengthen; long sleeves; small pearls accent bodice with hand embroidered/appliqued flowers also in silk charmeuse. Forgiving empire waist, just below bust, and A-line silhouette.
A gown as beautiful as when first worn;
in excellent condition & dry cleaned.

This is a unique VINTAGE CUSTOM MADE SILK CHARMEUSE gown (has no label, not a brand, believed to have been hand-tailored by local bridal store), simply a unique VINTAGE GOWN c. 1965 one of a kind, in top condition with room to expand easily; 2" extra material in all seams and 4" extra material in hem.Also comes with matching detachable long train which can provide extra material for alterations. Additional silk appliquéd flower pattern on train at waist which could be made into modern-style hair accessory to hold veil.

ALSO OFFERED: ORIGINAL VEIL with PILLBOX HAT, SILK FLOWERS, GLOVES, AND SILK CHARMEUSE detachable TRAIN WITH SILK CHARMEUSE embroidered/appliqued flowers/pearls at-waist-attachment (Train just visible to left of dress in profile photo).

Empire-waist bodice has small pearls with finely hand-embroidered/appliqued flowers in ivory silk charmeuse; long 'gauntlet' sleeves with 7 silk-covered buttons & loop closures from wrist to mid-forearm, gauntlet-style(dagged-sleeves,a slight point of material sits on back of hand), tightly fitted at wrist & gradually flows to greater fullness at shoulder. (Sleeves have 2" of material in seams if needed to tailor to new owner). Sleeve width at bottom approximately 7", gradually widens to 8" at mid-forearm, and to full 14" at shoulder/armpit. 2-12" darts in back bodice allow for extra room to expand if needed or to take in as required. Measurements are approximate.

Bust/bodice ample: fits 36-38"/90-92 cm.
Waist: 30" just below bust with Empire (high) waist allowing dress to flow in A-style lines to 36"-38" hips or greater. Dress has wide seam margins (2") easily altered to smaller or larger figure at side seams and sleeves. 4" extra material in hem for added height if desired. Original fit 5'4" bride. Material is excellent quality, rich silk-satin finish (silk charmeuse or Duponni-silk). Material in excellent condition, ivory cream shade, no yellowing. Hidden-zipper back, approx 18" length, neck to below waistline. Quality 1965 silk which is unmatched today.

Pearl accents and embroidered/appliqued flowers continue around back of neck. A timeless classic Vintage custom design. Classic elegance.

Superbly elegant Vintage gown. Carries good vibes from a 54 year-plus extremely happy marriage of two passionate soul mates who enjoyed travel, opera, art, music, good food & wine, and many good times with family and friends. Fit petite 5'4" woman yet has 4" extra length available in hem. Approximate measurements above for wrist, bust, back to empire waist, shoulders, length. Steam any adjustments needed and material will respond well. Dry cleaned and stored in dark closet to prevent fading since 1965 wedding.Remarkable gown for its age!

Serious inquiries only, please. Asking $325(Canadian) includes shipping. Negotiable to the right buyer who will continue to love this beautiful gown.

Alterations

No alterations done. However,alterations are easily possible with a seamstress/tailor. Approximately 2" extra material in most seams. Arm/shoulder area approx. 14" depth (around arm at shoulder), 8" around or greater in most of sleeve, gradually tapers to 7" approximately at wrist. Dagged hemline at wrist (one side tapers over back of hand to a small point); buttons/loop closures (could add placket, if need, for more width at wrist). Ample extra material and appliqué in long train which clips to waist at back. Could be made into additional accessories (such as hair-applique band to hold a veil, or small purse). Vintage pillbox hat in similar material available with dress. Competent seamstress or tailor can adjust this 14 / Medium dress to fit most figures! 3 3/4" hem can be lengthened if more height required (fit 5'4" original bride). Bust 36"-38" but 2 12" darts in back bodice, (either side of 18" long zipper), allow for further expansion if needed. Empire waist measures approximately 30" just below bust line. Hip area approximately 36"-38", with flattering A-line shape, ample room. Interface-lining helps stiffen dress to keep its shape, no slip needed. Cleaned and appropriately stored in dark closet since originally worn for 1965 wedding. Material appears like new. A Vintage custom made original 1965.