DRESStory: The History Of A Dress

In my many years of buying and selling Vintage clothing I rarely get the full history of a dress that I acquire. I love fashions past for its design details, unique fabrics and sustainability. I am always left wondering about the story behind each dress.

I recently got an email from a lady who had read my post about Designer Emma Domb back in 2012 (which upon recent review could use an update).

She was wanting to part with her prom dress from 1958 and asked if I wanted to acquire it. I am drowning in dresses due to my partnership with Paul Brockmann of the 55,000 Dress Collection and couldn't imaging assuming one more piece of inventory .... until I heard this DRESStory.

The dress was gifted to her on a game show in 1958, "It Could Be You". She was told the dress was created "just for her". She wore it to her prom the same year with her high school sweetheart.

They were married for 54 years. She lost him in 2016 and now it is time for her gorgeous prom dress to have a new life. She was the original owner and the dress was worn once.

The dress has been professionally dry cleaned and is ready to start it's new life! Prom? Cocktail Party? Dinner? Wedding? Dapper Day? Just Because?

 Shown without a petticoat

DRESS DETAILS

Vintage Designer 1950's Emma Domb Pink prom/party dress. This beauty was acquired from it's original owner who wore it once to prom in 1958 with her high school sweetheart (that she subsequently married). The dress was gifted to her on a televised game show "It Could Be You". Now it is your turn to give this dress a new life.

The baby pink chiffon is perfection. The waist has 2 other colors of pink with front bow details. Strapless silhouette with boning in the bodice. Metal zipper and layers of chiffon and tulle in the skirt. The images show the skirt with and without a petticoat.

B = 34"

W = 26"

H = open

Dry Cleaned

Priority Shipping is complimentary in the USA

$250

LINK TO SHOP

Style Maven Series: Joanna Krupa

Joanna Krupa is a Model Maven who's heart is as big as her talent and beauty.  She is an Animal Activist, Actress, Model, International Sex Symbol and Reality Star. 

She has appeared on countless covers of international magazines, on both big and small screen and is an outspoken advocate for animals and NOT wearing FUR!

She has publicly voiced her disdain for the Kardashian's promotion, wearing and sales of FUR via their DASH stores.

I LOVE that Joanna uses her public platform to help the plight of animals who cannot speak for themselves. 

  She gave me her take on how we can help animals "Stop buying fur and educate people on how animals get skinned alive for their fur. There is no reason to put animals through so much pain for fashion. Stop buying products that are tested on animals, don't support horse racing, only eat cruelty free meat if u have to eat it but its not healthy even if u are not an animal lover. Adopt don't buy. If u see someone on the street abusing their pet call an authority and have the pet taken away from them." 

Joanna, being born in Warsaw, Poland was a perfect host/judge for the show "Poland's Next Top Model". She also danced her way across the Screen in 2009 with partner Derek Hough on"Dancing With The Stars" 

She has recently joined the cast of the BRAVO reality show"The Real Housewives of Miami" 

She has a busy schedule and splits her time between LA and Miami but took the time to answer my Style Maven Questions

LG: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

JK: Wear what looks good not what the price tag says . I am a jean s and dress girl...I don't have a specific style but I love to find bargains and not over pay on designer clothes as I ll wear it once and then its a waste of money. I like to buy clothes that I can have for years and I focus on buying expensive shoes and handbags cause those accessories can last forever.

LG: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

JK: Shoes and handbags 

LG:  How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

JK: I have never bought any but stylists have used pieces on me for shoots and I loved them. As long as it is not fur.

LG: What are you wearing this Summer? What will be the the key elements for your Fall 2012 wardrobe?

JK: This summer a bunch of summer dresses because you can wear them casual with flip flops or dress them up with jewelry and heels and they are so comfy.

LG: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?

JK: Always wear heels with a dress because heels will make your legs look good. Flats are not flattering if u wanna impress someone :)

They are made for comfort only.

Here's a look at Joanna's STYLE

(Click on collage to Enlarge)

CONNECT with Joanna
Official Website
Twitter
Facebook

EVOLUTION VINTAGE PICKS FOR JOANNA

 Vintage 1960's Emma Domb Gown (Mini) 

Evolution Rewind Vintage Aurora Borealis Cocktail Ring

 Vintage 100% Silk and Sequin Mini Dress

 Vintage 90's Richard Tyler Silk Blazer

 Vintage YSL Skirt

NWT Jovovich-Hawk "Vivian" Summer Dress (C. 2006)

Designer Profile: EMMA DOMB

I love Fashion History and today's look into the past is via American dress designer Emma Domb.  Emma Domb was a California dressmaking company with headquarters in San Fransisco. The company was actively producing dresses and gowns from 1939 through the 1970s. Domb Manufacturing Company was owned by Emma Domb and Lorraine Domb Steinberg. They specialized in wedding, party, prom and cocktail dresses. They were also known for fancy-date ensembles.

The Domb dresses are now highly collectible among Vintage collectors and contemporary fashionistas. The prices range from $60 into the hundreds for a piece of the past.

Stylist Patricia Field brought Domb back to the big screen on the back of iconic fashionista character Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City Movie (1)  - Chartlotte's baby shower scene. I bet that this blue stunner was once a gown made mini for the film.

I, myself had the pleasure of acquiring a Domb gown for Evolution Vintage. I had to dresscue the piece as there was some serious damage to the hem and bottom of the dress due to age and dry cleaning attempts (can't be seen in the image). I DRESS-esurrected it as a contemporary mini cocktail dress. the bodice has the most amazing fabric with Aurora Borealis sequins. The colour of burnt orange is BOLD and amazing for any event.

BEFORE: 

AFTER:

 BUY IT

60's LBD with Fringe Bodice

Got a cocktail party? prom? or have a red carpet event coming up? Have a look at some of my FAV Emma Domb pieces on the web:

1950's/60's Party Dress from PIN UP DRESSES

1960's Mocha/Chocolate Maxi Dress from REVOLVING VINTAGE

50's Lovely Lace & Tulle Dress from Buy-N-Buy

50/60's Grecian draped gown from RED HOUSE VINTAGE

60's Maxi from Boudoir Barbie