We’ve never seen this print before, and we doubt we’ll see it again. This print is just as unique and unusual, as it is whimsical and wonderful. Powder puffs floating down over a fantastic almost-mid-century grey background, providing the perfect contrast for the cream and ivory puffs. Bright post-deco greens and powder room pink give the rest of the print a lot of life and very fun color. Classic 1940s cut with puffy shoulder pads, double duty zipper closures on the side and back (easy access for your coiffure), front draping asymmetrical details.
Ellene Alice Bailey, known as “America’s Powder Puff Pioneer”. An American designer and inventor, she specialized in clothing and household goods ranging from a detachable brassiere frame to the “Dart” needle for sewing on shoe and other buttons. When the needle was ready for business, her manufacturer abruptly departed leaving her with a mechanism and no workers. She rolled up her sleeves (or perhaps used her sleeve holders, which she also invented) and made 60,000 needles herself. Not only did she have a skill for producing practical goods, she was also a pioneer in novelty goods. Her whimsical talents brought to the world a silver whisk-broom, novelty items filled with perfume, a music roll which doubled up as a Christmas/Easter card, decorative chains for holding drapery, “odd” novelty clocks, ornamental tables, inkstands, easels, and unique boxes for holding candies. She even found time to improve designs by other inventors, making them salable.
Now on to the puffs…
She was the first American to patent several powder puff designs. Her puffs were the “Pond Lily” 1882, “Thistledown” 1880s, “Floral” 1889, and supposedly her best of all, the “Dainty” 1891.
Flats or heels, casual or formal, the dress could do it all. The classic 40s shoulder pads scream for a tilt hat! Be sure to take advantage of the short back zipper, designed to accommodate giant hairstyles. Remember, the higher the hair, the closer to…
Bust – 40 inches
Waist – 30-31 inches
Length – 43 inches
Good, very wearable, condition. The print is vibrant and the fabric is strong. There are several small stains or spots scattered through out, not noticeable when worn. There is also some light staining around the sleeve edges and underarms. Just under the front of the collar is some discoloration.
Our vintage clothing pieces are true antiques, not modern reproductions or facsimiles. As such, unless specifically stated that they are “new old stock”, each piece should be considered a previously worn treasure that will show varying levels of use and potential condition issues. Please read every section of our vintage clothing product pages to best understand exactly what you are purchasing before placing your order. All vintage clothing is sold “as is” with no warranty and all vintage clothing sales are final. Please reach out before you purchase if you have any questions about a specific piece and one of our knowledgeable customer support agents will be glad to assist you.
Finding undiscovered troves of brand new vintage clothing is exceptionally rare, so each item in our vintage shop is a unique listing with a first-come, first-served setup. We cannot hold or reserve items and once they have sold, it is unlikely that we will ever get another in our store again. If you see something you love, make sure to buy it or it might not be here on your next visit.
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We are excited to share with you the passions that have consumed us for years. We hope that our tireless research, avid collecting, and one-of-a-kind discoveries will ignite in you the same obsessions that have captivated us.
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