50′s Inspiration
Why not choose from a selection of reproduction 50's patterns?
Many of our dresses are inspired by classic original dresses of the period, brought up to date and up to modern day sizes and proportions. Regarded by many as being the most feminine era, featuring the “new look” by Dior and the flared dress or skirt with masses of volume, both in the skirts and the petticoats or underskirts. Both tight and flared dresses were cut to accentuate the waist and were commonly worn with some sort of foundation to achieve “the look.”
Most of the fitted bodices used in our dresses are boned to give a smooth shape with a high degree of comfort and those who would like a more nipped in waist can be accommodated by heavier boning and construction, or alternatively built in, or separate corsetry.
None of this is compulsory however, the flares on the skirts being there to make waists look smaller. Many women today would not welcome any restriction at all in the cause of fashion!
Your pattern or design
If you have a favorite pattern or have seen a design that inspires you, we will consider making it for you in the materials of your choice. This service will be made to measure only and a full quotation given. We will try to match the design as closely as possible, subject to any copyright or licensing agreements
This dress from “Sabrina Fair” was not the wedding dress worn by Audrey Hepburn, but certainly could have been!
This one however was!
The longer dress is still the most popular choice for today’s bride and for weddings in the 50′s this length was still preferred. The tendency has been for the “50′s dress” manufacturers to concentrate on the short flared dress alone, whilst looking great on Audrey Hepburn, was not the only style worn by brides.
One alternative is the fitted or A line dress, with an overdress, sometimes partially covering the main dress and sometimes giving total coverage with a “see through” effect
Many of today’s evening and wedding gown styles owe their origins to the 50′s couturiers. During WW2 and the period of rationing that followed in the UK, materials were in short supply; indeed in the US, it was illegal to make a dress with more than a specified yardage. Economies boomed in the 50′s and with it a flamboyance in ladies clothing; many styles featuring flared skirts that used over 4 metres of material.
We base our designs on original features from the era and incorporate the construction techniques that give the garments “the look.”
Not all fifites outfits were flared however and the “new look” by Dior, featured very tight skirts and bodices mainly for day wear and less formal occasions. Suits were commonly worn and with proper treatment, would not look out of place at a Civil wedding for the bride or her mother. 
For longer weddings and ballgowns, a “fishtail” or “mermaid tail” could be added to allow easier movement although it should be noted that almost all of the photos taken in that era had the skirts pinned tight for effect. They were not that tight!
Any of the features seen in the photos can be incorporated into your dress, ensuring that you have something different and elegant for your special day.
Making from Patterns
There are lots of excellent retro patterns available from the main pattern companies including Vogue, Simplicity & Burda, but also specialist companies who have originals or reproduction patterns of the main vintage eras. Original patterns are not always in the correct sizes (like orginal vintage dresses!) but we can modify and customise most to fit. Here is a selection of a few original designs to wet your appetite:
CONTACT US to talk about creating your original, making from patterns, or see our Collection pages for our sample range.