vintage designer dresses Vintage 1950s Cole of California Designer Dress

vintage designer dresses Vintage 1950s Cole of California Designer DressMeasurements Size: Extra Small Small Bust: 32 34 inches + 81 86 cm Waist: 22 25 inches + 56 63. 5 cm Hips: Free Bodice Length: 16 inches + 41 cm Total Length: 42 inches + 132 cm Hem Length: None Zipper: None Description * Gorgeous 1950s quality cream background cotton sun dress * Floral design with lilac, purple, light and dark blue flowers with green leaves * Classic silhouette with cinched waist and full skirt * Sweetheart neckline with single

Measurements

Size: Extra Small - Small

Bust:  32 - 34 inches + 81 - 86 cm 

Waist: 22 - 25 inches + 56 - 63.5 cm

Hips: Free

Bodice Length: 16 inches + 41 cm

Total Length:  42 inches + 132 cm 

Hem Length: None

Zipper: None

Description

* Gorgeous 1950s quality cream background cotton sun dress

* Floral design with lilac, purple, light and dark blue flowers with green leaves

* Classic silhouette with cinched waist and full skirt

* Sweetheart neckline with single halter straps (adjustable)

* Bodice features shelf bust with elaborate draping

* Shirred fabric to sides and back

* Boning in bodice for structure

* Wide skirt, almost full circle

* Unlined, pinked and serged seams with machined hem hem

* Low back, dress pulls on over head

* Label reads Cole of California

Cole of California started as a swimwear division of the West Coast Manchester Knitting Mills. West Coast was a maker of men’s long knit underwear, owned by the Cole family. In 1925 son Fred Cole, who had been working as an actor, was convinced to join the family business. He did not find making underwear very interesting, so he decided to make bathing suits that had a glamorous, Hollywood edge.

From 1936 through 1972, the company’s head designer was former theatrical designer, Margit Felligi. Felligi was responsible for many innovations in the swimwear and sundress industry - such as the use of Lastex fabric, nylon and spandex. She was known for her creative use of fabrics. 

The company is still producing swimwear, and there is a sister company, Anne Cole, Information courtesy of the Vintage Fashion Guild.

Condition 

This highly collectable 1950s dress is in excellent condition for its age, with no faults that I can see. The hem may have been shortened at some point but it remains a good length. The shirring is in excellent condition and beautifully done, as only Cole of California can do. The draping on the bodice is a masterpiece!  Cleaned and ready to wear. Please drop us a line if your require additional information about this listing.

Shop Policies

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 :)

Special Orders
If you are looking for something that you don't currently find in our shop - let us know we may be able to help you with a special listing!

Photography
Our photos are taken with a mix of studio and ambient lighting. Whilst we take care with the colour balance of our photos, individual computer monitors register colours differently depending on their calibration. If you want the exact colour shade drop us a line and we will give you the Universal Pantone colours that match the item.