1930s Henri Bendel Lace Evening Gown Bolero L Vintage Black & Gold Alencon Lace Art Deco Dress Set
$2,500.00
We are pleased to offer you this stunning evening gown from the 1930's. This was bought at Henri Bendel's for about $168 which is about $2500 in today's dollar. Of course the average salary in 1930 was $165 a month so this was a definite expensive purchase!
✂ FABRIC: This incredible set is made of black then-imported French Alençon lace with raised cording and floral embroidery on black net. The neckline has a removable metallic gold lace "dickey" which is re-embroidered with gold lame thread into floral patterns.
*** A personal note: I truly dislike buying vintage lace items online because lace often disintegrates when stored improperly over time. I can't tell you how many lace garments I've purchased online that have just been totally worthless due to the fact that I couldn't see/touch/test the lace before purchasing. Some vintage sellers/dealers are either outright dishonest or just don't know how to accurately do testing on lace for longevity. From a conservator/restorer's point of view, this lace was stored perfectly over the last 80 years. It has very minimal breakage which may have occurred initially in the 1930's when worn but there is absolutely no dry-rot or major breakage. Rest assured, this is very wearable! ***
The dress is fully lined in silk satin charmeuse and features couture details like hand done stitches and silk covered weights. The bolero is unlined.
This enchanting dress features off shoulders with fluttering capped sleeves, deep "V" decolletage with silk tulle ruffles and amazing Art Deco construction. If you enlarge the 5th & 6th image, you will see the fabulous pattern cuts to create this exceptional garment. The skirt is flowing and the back features a very, very low "V" and dramatic trailing hemline. This closes at the side with snaps and hooks and eyes.
The bolero features elbow length sleeves, open front with attached weights, scalloped edges and scalloped sleeves.
This is a fabulous 1930's ensemble which will be perfect for Gatsby themed parties, holiday parties or any special event! It would also make an awesome non-traditional wedding dress :)
If you are unsure about the color of an item or the type of fabric, please do not hesitate to contact us.
✂ MEASUREMENTS:
Dress:
The bust is 40" snug 41"
The waist is 38"
Hips are 56"
Measures 55" from the shoulder to hem and the front and 62" from shoulder to hem at the back
Armholes are 20"
Bolero:
The bust and waist are open but measures 18" flat (whilst closed)
Measures 18" in total length
Armholes are 21"
Sleeves are 18"
Shoulder to shoulder is 16"
Please be sure to measure a dress that fits you well and compare these measurements with those.
✂CONDITION
This is in EXCELLENT and READY TO WEAR condition. There is minimal breakage in the lace (none of which are visible to the naked eye) which is incredibly strong with no issue of dry-rot. We've reinforced the net at the shoulders for stability...of course this doesn't show when worn. We've looked over this set inch by inch and found nothing else to report.
This presents so beautifully and is a wonderfully Art Deco piece!
This set has been professionally cleaned and will be wrapped in acid free tissue paper and packaged with the utmost care.
✂ QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Communication is the key to a good customer/seller relationship :o)
✂ Lay-away, Balance Parcel and Reservations are available.
✂ Policies:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/labellevintage/policy
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Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 3 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 7 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Sizing details
All items are accurately described and measured. Items are measured flat, then doubled.
If you want to know if something will fit you, please compare measurements given with a similar item you own for comparison...this works best :)
Also, do note that custom made vintage clothing, especially home-made dresses were made to fit a particular body shape so alterations would be expected.
Care instructions
Items are always sent to you in a ready to wear condition, unless they are deadstock/ new old stock. Cleaning deadstock items decreases its value therefore we leave it up to the buyer to do this. Instructions for cleaning are included when requested.
We either carefully launder and iron our items, steam, press, professionally clean or have items dry cleaned before sending.
We are happy to include care instructions upon request.
Gift wrapping and packaging
All clothing items sold in our shops are wrapped in acid free tissue paper and then further gift wrapped for presentation.
Fragile items are wrapped in tissue paper, then further wrapped in bubble wrap. We use packing peanuts and air pillows as fillers/padding.
If you would prefer Eco-friendly packing, please request before making a purchase.
May I Reserve an item?
We love to accommodate our customers so just drop us a line if you need us to hold/reserve an item for you. Items are reserved for a maximum of 48 hours.
Please note that an item can only be reserved if a deposit has been made. Also note that your item must be bought or paid off by the agreed due date. In the event of a cancellation or the item is not paid off by the due date, the deposit is non-refundable or transferable.
How about Layaway/Layby?
We accept layaway/payment plans/balance parcel for items over $100. 1/3 of the total price (including shipping) is needed in order to place an item on layaway. Invoices are sent through PayPal or Square.
* Individual items between $100-$200 are eligible for our 2 week layaway plan.
* Individual Items valued at $200 or more are eligible for our 4 week layaway plan with equal payments made weekly.
* Individual items valued at $500 or more are eligible for our 6 week layaway plan with equal payments made weekly.
Sorry, we will no longer reserve items for lengthier periods of time and will not provide layaway for items under $100. Layaway is not offered on discounted or sale items.
Vintage Clothing Condition
Vintage clothing is not new so it’s important that you understand the condition.
MINT: An item is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear (mint condition is rare for vintage clothing).
**Please note that Mint Unworn/Deadstock/New Old Stock items may sometimes have storage marks (due to age) on the fabric. This does not constitute as "wear" as the item was never worn.
NEAR MINT: An item shows only the slightest signs of wear.
EXCELLENT: An item shows typical signs of wear due to occasional use.
VERY GOOD: An item is considered wearable but has some surface flaws (staining or soiling, for example).
GOOD: An item is wearable
Is my dress clean?
Items are sent to you in a ready to wear condition. "Estate fresh" garments are never in ready to wear condition so that means we take the extra time/care to either carefully launder and iron our items, steam, press or have them dry cleaned before sending.
The only garments that we do not clean are deadstock/new old stock garments that have not been worn. Collectors prefer these in "Estate fresh" condition. However, if you purchase a deadstock item from us and would prefer it cleaned before sending out, just let us know. There is no charge for this...just request this.
We NEVER use items such as Febreeze or Dryel as those are not cleaning agents. They are only used to mask odors and will leave dirt and residue in your vintage garment.
Shipping
International buyers are always welcome here and items are sent via USPS First Class Mail International for items under 4lbs (with size limitations) or USPS Priority Mail International.
Domestic shipping is via Priority mail unless noted otherwise. Items are shipped within 72 hours of payment and are sent with delivery confirmation. A tracking number will be sent to you once item has been shipped.
Express mail ships within 24 hours.
We love to combine shipping! If your combined shipping cost seems off, please contact us before checking out to ensure that we have given the most cost efficient price for the shipment of your items.
We will combine shipping costs on any items bought within the same week at any of our stores.
Returns & Exchanges
✂ REFUNDABLE ITEMS:
We are now accepting returns on shoes and wedding dresses made after 1940:
Wedding dresses that are returned must be in the same condition as sent with all shop tags attached and will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. Shipping costs will be paid by you and are not refundable. You are agreeing to this by purchasing a wedding dress from our shop.
Antique and pre-1940s wedding dresses are not returnable due to the fragile nature of these items.
*Shoes are returnable once in the same condition as sent. Shipping costs will be paid by you and are not refundable.
For all other items, we will accept returns in exchange for store credit.