Vintage 1980s Handmade Southern Belle Wedding Dress and Accessories 18-20W Plus

Description

I designed this dress, hat & veil, ring bearer's pillow, and boutonniere.
They were handmade from the finest materials, by my step-mother and father (a tailor) in 1987.  This is truly a one of a kind wedding dress!
The dress is made of bridal satin, with a taffeta underskirt.  It has a f
itted bodice, with a slightly dropped "v" waistline.  It is trimmed with silver and white lace at the "v" neckline.  The puffed sleeves are trimmed with red satin roses.  From just above the elbow, the long sleeves are made of silver
lam
é, ending in a lace trimmed point over the hand, with pearlized buttons at the wrist.  The taffeta unders
kirt has a deep silver lam
é bottom.  The dress measures 72" wide (lying flat) at the hem, so it is a full 144" sweep.  Each flounce at the base of the skirt features a red satin rose.  The dress has a full back zipper and a "V" at the back neckline as well.  The zipper is 21" long and extends about 9" below the natural waist (see 11th picture).  It measures 22 1/2" from underarm seam to underarm seam, (44" bust).  The waist is 36" (approximately size 20W - my waist size was just over 35").  The sleeve is 18 1/2" from the underarm seam to the end of the point over the hand.  The dress length is 56" from the shoulder, measured at the neckline, to the
silver lam
é
hem.  I'm 5' 3" tall, and wore 2" heels (red - lol).  I designed my dress to disguise my hip size (50") since my "hour glass" was bottom heavy, so the slightly dropped waist (about 3" drop to the "v") in the center front allows the material to drape well and flow over the hips.  It is approximately 12" from the bottom of the "v" neckline to the "v" at the waist.
The wide brimmed white satin hat has matching
silver lam
é over the crown, trimmed with matching silver and white lace.  The veil is attached to the hat, and is trimmed with white ribbons, and red satin roses.  The veil is 3/4 length (below my waist - NOT floor length).  The ring bearer's pillow is white satin, trimmed with matching silver and white lace, and red ribbons.  The boutonniere matched my bouquet (which was caught and kept by my maid of honor - sorry).
I stored this in museum quality archival paper, hoping for a grand-daughter one day.  With no girls in the family, this beauty needs a new love.
I was surprised and disappointed that the color has aged, but I have been assured that
the pristine white color can be restored.  A relative said there's a DIY method on you tube.  This is a very well made gown, of quality material, so I'd recommend having a professional do that, especially since I found one area with slightly darker shading on the front of the skirt.  The silk roses may need a bit of fluffing up.  Unpacking it for these photos, was the first time it's been out since I packed it away, after having it dry cleaned in 1987.  It's hard to sell it, but since I've moved to a tiny home, and have no one to save it for, it's time.  The hat has a paper crown under the
silver lam
é, and
is slightly crinkled on the inside (does NOT show) from storage.  I found no issues on the veil or the ring bearer's pillow.  The boutonniere will also need fluffed up.
It's been re-packed in the archival paper for shipment.
Added note about the size:
We made the patterns.  I listed it as 18-20W to give you an IDEA of size.  Sizes are not standardized, and this is a ONE of a kind gown.  Over 33 years ago, I stood 5'3", and measurements were 44-35-50.  I'm
not
saying this is an 18W or a 20W because it's a custom gown that was NOT sized from any chart or pattern.  So, again, please measure VERY carefully.
My home is smoke and pet free.  PLEASE measure carefully, and ask questions if you're unsure about anything, or if you need more information.  Thank you for considering my treasured wedding dress!
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