Style

 1930's fashion is the culmination and maturation of the free spirited  1920's.  During the 20's- new forays into fashion began.  In the 30's these experimentations were refined, honed and perfected.  The youthful androgynous spirit of the 1920's gave way for a mature feminine sensuality of the 1930's.  Thanks to many designers- this era will forever be associated with shimmering body hugging bias gowns.  For my inspiration I looked both to movie stars of the time and the over the top Zeigfield girls of the 1930's and 40's.  

Construction

Gown is constructed of two layers of pale sky blue silk charmuese cut, of course, on the bias.  Bodice front is a delicately weighted cowl neck.  The bodice wraps the torso and shoulders.   A triple strand of 1930's era rhinestones secures the cowl along the nape of the neck.  Thought the closures which frame the strand are modern production- through tone and texture they evoke the 1930s paste gems.  From this strip tiers of beads drape with assumed effortless along the side back into a hand made tassel.  The beads were hand strung from vintage 1930's silver beads salvaged from the estate of a couture NYC Milliner.   The ropes of beads join the center back and are topped by prong set vintage rhinestones.    

The skirt of the gown is constructed as though it is a puzzle.  A slender bias front panel wraps the body to a notched back panel.  Bias side panels fit close through the hip and widen dramatically at the hemline.  These side panels create volume and movement yet allow the gown to fit sensuously close to the body.  

Accessories

A celestially inspired  headpiece is constructed of  wire, mesh and rhinestone.  It is intentionally strongly inspired by 40's glamour of Hedy Lamar as a Ziegfeld girl however it is created to be able to worn as a evening wear piece rather than theatrical attire.   

Gown is pictured with a vintage cream fox fur stole and a worn with authentic 1930's silver lame shoes.  A vintage silver evening, one of my favorite possessions, was a gift from my late mother from my late grandmother.  

Photos Courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand;  Taken 2016, June NYC  (www.PhillipVN.com).  Click on images to see full Frame