Description
This true vintage column of luxurious black silk satin is an early 1930s bias-cut slip that could easily double as a slip dress, if you prefer! The slinky silk fabric will skim over the body, with the bias cut allowing some give to the fit. The slip has a softly rounded scoop neckline in front with 2 tiny vertical darts to shape the bust very slightly. In back, it has a deeper V neckline and vertical seaming to gently shape the waist. The slip is held up by delicate pale pink silk crepe straps that were probably meant to be “nude”/invisible under an evening gown. The neckline and hem edges are hand-rolled and hand-sewn—like a fine silk scarf! You can of course wear the slip under a sheer evening gown, as originally intended, but it is certainly pretty enough to wear on its own.
In very good condition, the slip has one small, rust-colored fade mark on the left front hip (see close-up photo), and some slightly fraying to the right strap. It is still wearable, currently, but might fray more with use. The delicate silk crepe straps are a bit lightweight for holding up the heavier silk satin body of the slip, in my opinion. They could easily be replaced, if you are handy with a needle.
This elegant 1930s black satin slip (or slip dress) is labeled Martha Weathered, originally purchased from her high-end boutique located on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago (open from 1921 to 1971). Her shop was one of only 2 in Chicago authorized by French designers to import their design concepts for local fabrication (label info courtesy of the Vintage Fashion Guild’s Label Resource).
Size: S-M, approximately.
- Bust: 35 inches flat, up to 40 max. with reasonable stretch. Best fit for approx. 34-38 inches.
- Waist: 33 inches flat, to fit up to 31 inches loosely.
- Hips: 38 inches flat, up to 45 max. with reasonable stretch. Best fit for 36 to 42 max.
- Length: 55.5 inches from top of shoulder strap to hem in front.
- Underarm to hem: 46 inches.
- Straps length: 10 inches.
- Label: Martha Weathered
