1950s John Wanamakers Red Silk Gown

This gown is insanely gorgeous and in person it is even more so. The color was very hard to photo - it has a definite pink undertone and is that magical color that lands squarely between red and pink and is partly dependent on the light in deciding. It makes me thing of cherry Popsicles - because of the layers of silk there is that same depth and translucent perception while being opaque. The only tag is from the exclusive Tribout Shop that was found in the John Wanamaker department store based in Philadelphia. This boutique within the shop sold heavy hitting lines like Madame Gres, Ben Reig, Mainbocher, Bill Blass - the list goes on and on. Maddening, this gown has no other label besides that one,† and yet it has all the hallmarks of a very expensive, custom, high end couture piece. The work and finishes are hand done and the design and fabric are of the best possible quality. Three tiny silk straps suspend the gown from each shoulder, The bodice is shaped and gathered by hand with a nod to the Grecian Goddess. The inner silk chiffon and silk skirt hugs the body while the top chiffon layer has yards and yards of silk that flow from the waist and into an expansive skirt with a series of trumpet pleats. It is heartbreaking and truly beautiful! Excellent condition

Item# E445

Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!

Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:

  • We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
  • payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
  • The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
  • items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit 

Read More

We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.

Want it faster?

We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.

Read More

SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.