VTG 1940s Black Rayon Crepe Dress Cellophane and 44 similar items

Vintage 1940s black rayon crepe dress with dramatic Joan Crawford?style shoulders and metal underarm zipper. Features satin skirt insert and eye-catching shiny cellophane passementerie circles on the bodice, sleeves, and pockets. A rare, couture-inspired design with strong midcentury Hollywood drama. Condition Excellent vintage condition overall. Missing original belt. Buttons show rusting from inside but remain intact. Provenance Note Cellophane passementerie?decorative trim made from shiny straw-like ribbon?was a 1930s?40s innovation used to add sparkle to evening and cocktail dresses. This example, with large padded shoulders and satin inset skirt panel, epitomizes the glamorous Hollywood silhouette of the 1940s. Likely sold through a higher-end department store rather than mass retail, as detailing and construction quality surpass typical ready-to-wear. Style Aesthetics ? 1940s Hollywood glamour ? Joan Crawford / power shoulder style ? Couture-inspired detailing ? Collectible passementerie trim Styling Tips Style with platform heels and a 40s clutch for a complete evening look. Perfect for film noir or Hollywood-themed costume styling. Pair with a bold red lip to highlight the dramatic silhouette. Measurements (laid flat) Bust (pit to pit): 19" (38" total) Waist: 15" (30" total) Hips: 21" (42" total) Length (shoulder to hem): 46" Marked Size: Not marked (fits Womens Small/Medium) Approx. Modern Size Small?Medium (Bust 38 / Waist 30 / Hips 42) Fit Guide Best for approx. 5?4?5?7, 120?135 lbs. Fabric / Materials Rayon crepe, satin skirt inset, cellophane passementerie trim, metal zipper, shoulder pads Sustainability Note Sustainably vintage ? 1940s rayon crepe dress, not fast fashion. Costuming CTA Costuming a film, theater, or creative project? Contact Miss Kitty ? we have extensive vintage inventory not yet listed and can offer excellent bulk/volume discounts for productions. Thanks for Shopping at The Cats Pajamas! PLEASE ASK Miss Kitty any QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! Seriously, fire away! We love to chat and want to make sure you're doing a happy dance when your goodies arrive! RETURN POLICY: Our treasures are sold as final sale (no take-backsies!), but your satisfaction is our jam! We get it ? photos can only tell half the story, so don't be shy about those questions! CONDITION: All our finds are sold as-is, straight from a clean, smoke-free zone. Unless we've called out a specific "quirk," these beauties are flawless and ready to shine! SHIPPING: We're on it! Standard 2-day handling, or if you're in a hurry, zip, zap, zoom with 1-day express via UPS or FedEx! INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Hey globetrotters! Just a friendly heads-up: you're on the hook for any import taxes or customs fees. We play by the rules and give customs the full scoop, so no surprises there!