Exceptional Original Late 1930s / Early 1940s Orange Studded Cocktail Dress With Keyhole Detail

This incredible dress was made in the late 1930s from vibrant orange crepe. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with a beautifully fitted waist that is cinched in with an original fabric belt. The stunning double sided draping at the hip adds a real statement detail and gives wonderful shape and elongation to the wearer’s body. The unusual keyhole neckline gives a visual bow effect and a discreet peak of the wearer’s décolletage. The entirety of the bodice was adorned with silver metal studs as well as a line of decorative beading at both the front and back to give further emphasis and shaping to the bust. The shoulders are strongly padded to balance out the hourglass shape and the dress fastens with ten tiny fabric covered buttons at the back of the neck and an original metal side zipper. Inside, it has a maker’s label for Sobie & Davis. 

Bust: 34” (tight 36”)

Waist: 26” (tight 27”)

Hips: 36” (tight 38”)

Length: 47” plus 2” hem

The dress is in very good condition with only a couple of small marks and some wear and discolouration to the belt as pictured. A small area of hem has dropped but this can be tacked back up easily. 

4532

This garment is available to purchase with or without dress shields. These clever little contraptions have been made by our seamstress to an original 1940s pattern and can be simply attached to your garment by tack stitching at the corners of the underarm seam, pinning (we wouldn’t recommend that, it hurts if it goes wrong, so if you try this, it is at your own risk only) or inserting tiny poppers. They then stand ready to absorb any sweat and body odours as needed and you can simply detach and launder them instead of your garment, saving you a fortune in dry cleaning bills.

They are equally suitable for suits, blazers and dresses and come in two different options:

1. Pure cream cotton for your heavier weight dresses, blazers and suits

or

2. White cotton muslin for lightweight summer dresses (so they don’t show through the fabric)

They are universally sized and super easy to use even for a sewing novice as only a couple of tiny stitches are required at each side to secure them.

We sell Dress Shields as a standalone item or at a discount if you purchase them with a garment. We will select the appropriate type to match the garment you have purchased.