1940s White and Purple Rayon Floral Print Shirtwaister Dress

This unusual rayon crepe shirt-dress dates to the 1940s. The purple and black print looks like tangled vines or electric static - popping out on the rayon cloth against a bright white background. Tailored to a simple short-sleeve, open-collar shape, the flippy, lightweight skirt falls with soft pleating to the knee. The buttons running down the front add interesting detail, each crafted from pink-purple sheer plastic and finished with a rhinestone in the centre. Around 80 years of age, a daytime piece of this vibrancy and condition from the 1940s is difficult to find and there are no faults of any note with the dress itself.

A well manufactured piece but without its labels, it retains its original matching fabric belt. The vinyl backing has decayed and cracked in line with its age, but this is not seen at all when worn. The dress was a good fit, if a little short, on our model who is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180 cm). We therefore think it will work on up to a UK 10 or US 6.

MEASUREMENTS

Bust - 38 in. (97 cm)

Waist - 30 in. (76 cm)

Hip - 40 in. (102 cm)

Length - 36 in. (91 cm)