Vintage Late 1950s Sundress and Bolero Jacket Ensemble - New!
Measurements
Size: Small
Dress
Bust: 34 - 36 inches + 86 - 91 cm
Waist: 27 inches + 69 cm
Shoulder Edge to Shoulder Edge: n/a
Hips: open
Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 16.5 inches + 42 cm
Total Length from Outside Shoulder: 43 inches + 109 cm
Hem Length : 2 inches + 41 cm
Zipper Length: 16 inches + 41 cm
Seam Allowance: 1 inches + 2.5 cm (per side)
Jacket
Bust 36 inches + 91 cm
Length: 15 inches + 38 cm
Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.
Description
* Late 1950s white background crisp cotton dress and jacket ensemble
* Fabric design features la rose theme set in squares in fawn, mulberry and green
* Classic silhouette with a fitted waist and wide skirt
* Dress bodice is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps
* Skirt features wide box pleats at front and double-boxed pleats at back
* Self-fabric belt with a metal stay on each side of bodice
* Back with metal zipper
* Jacket has turnover notched collar, open front and short sleeves
* Bodice partially lined, serged seams and hand-finished hem
* Label reads Southwell of Auckland
Southwell of Auckland was formed in December 1953 by Travis Southwell, who was a travelling salesman who saw a gap in the local market for sophisticated apparel for young women. He employed Alma Kimber as his fashion designer. Travers solved the manufacturing issue by contracting his work to cut-make-trim businesses - small manufacturers who were able to undertake all the steps needed to produce the Southwell ranges ready for sale. Alma Kimber became known for her ability to interpret top fashion looks into a particularly wide range of styles: including young sophisticated casual wear and more formal day and evening wear, The garments were advertised in Vogue New Zealand and sold in retail and department stores across the country. Travers introduced additional labels, several that he made under licence, during the three decades he owned his business. Kelly Arden, Anjon Originals, Minima, Young Sophisticates, Sunseekers and American Cotton were also made by T G Southwell. Travers closed T G Southwell in 1986. The New Zealand Fashion Museum hold examples of this label in their own collection. (Information courtesy of the New Zealand Fashion Museum)
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
No notable flaws that I can see, it is in fabulous condition for its age. One of the bone supports inside the dress has broken but does not affect the presentation of the dress. Fabric is unfaded and crisp.
Please note that these are vintage items that have been used and loved over the years, As such, they may display slight evidence of their age. Any notable flaws above and beyond this will be highlighted here.
Comment
A fabulous ensemble from this noted New Zealand fashion house. Please drop us a line if you require additional information about this listing.
Shop Policies
COVID-19
Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in a backlog of parcels worldwide. Our local Postal Service continues to operate at increased capacity and assures us that packages will arrive at their destination, albeit with a noticeably longer timeframe.
We now offer an alternate express delivery service via DHL for those of you who want your packages more expediently. This option is currently delivering packages within a seven-day timeframe from pick-up.
Availability
This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologise in advance should this rare circumstance arise.
Postage
We make every effort to post your item within 1-3 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg we are away at a fair) we will contact you immediately. Please note that our postage charges are based on standard international and domestic air packages - all with tracking. If you want to upgrade to express postage or require insurance, please contact us prior to checkout and we will adjust the rates accordingly.
LayBys/Layaways
Yes we do offer flexible layby/layaway options and are open to negotiation as to the time period. Obviously, the more expensive the item the longer the time you will have to finalise payment. Contact us to see how accommodating we can be :)
Alterations
Obviously, as these are one-off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.
Special Orders
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Photography
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