Originator Sketch - Gowns That Drape and Dazzle

This Originator sketch from Spring 1946 features two beautiful concepts for evening wear, each featuring draping.

On the left is a full-skirted evening gown with a cowl-like drape just left of center front and below the knees in the skirt. A bit subtle, I think! The skirt is also accented with flowing sequins or bead embroidery.

On the right, a cascading drape on the right hip and small cowl-like drape above the right knee add elegance to this slim frock for dinner or afternoon wear. Sequins or bead embroidery add extra spark & dazzle.

Note that the full-skirted evening gown has a sheer yoke and sleeves, and a decollete under-bodice with sweetheart neckline. Gorgeous!

It's Tulip Time!

It is spring here in the Pacific Northwest (at least I try to tell myself it is spring, it has been so cool and damp), and the tulips in my garden are in bloom! So I thought I would dedicate this post to the tulip, a popular motif for women throughout the decades. Women in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s and beyond loved to adorn their dresses, skirts, and aprons with applique tulips, and used multiple methods to decorate household linens with tulip motifs. :)

1940s Tulip-Adorned Frock

 

1950s Skirt 

 1950s Apron (note the bib itself is tulip-shaped)

1960s Dress

Lovely tulips decorated household linens using colorful embroidery, and even crocheted edgings.

And now, for the real thing - a few tulips from my garden (on a grey, rainy day in Seattle). :)