I keep an eye out for vintage clothing, and recently I got very lucky. This is an evening gown from the 1930s, a fabulous black net overdress with metallic gold embroidery over its own taffeta slip. Both pieces are floor length.
There is no label in this, so I can't identify the maker or size. The net overdress is very sheer, made of a crisp net fabric in black that is embroidered with large metallic gold embroidered sprays of flowers (7 long each).
The dress starts with a sweetheart neckline and short, straight sleeves. The waist is dropped 3 below the natural waist and is gathered on both sides, with a very full skirt. The skirt has its own crinoline lining in the flounces. There is a metal zipper on the left side.
In the back there is sheer black net from a high neckline. The overdress is not tight-fitting; rather, it floats over the more form-fitting slip. Underneath the net, there is a full slip of black taffeta with a fitted bust (two lines of bust darts, and curved seams) and an A-line shape. P lease use the zoom function to examine all the great details in the photos. It is larger than a size 6, but because it is not marked for size, please check the measurements below. Measurements, all taken with the garments lying flat. Dress: 16 across front from shoulder to shoulder slip. 18.5" across front at underarms 18.5". 17.5" across front at waist 17.5".18 center back to waist. 60" center back to hem 52". This is in pristine condition; it's hard to tell if it was ever worn. It appears to be nicely made and finished, and it is certainly an eye-catching design - just lovely.
Please write in if you have questions. Note: I had originally identified this as 1940s, but just read an article by Dr. Barbara Johnson on "Glamorous Eveningwear of the 1930s" which included a very similar dress of black tulle with metallic gold embroidery. So I have changed this to 1930s.
This really helps authenticate it. She also says The scarcity of clothing from the Great Depression makes those beautiful pieces a wise investment. Please contact me for more information or photos. The item "Vintage 1930s evening gown blk net w gold embroidery w slip, floor length med sz" is in sale since Tuesday, October 11, 2016. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Vintage\Women's Vintage Clothing\Dresses". The seller is "halnanne" and is located in Newark, Delaware. This item can be shipped worldwide.