Can you identify a use for this unusual detail?

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I didn't know where to put this, I couldn't find any similar threads, so I started a new thread! I hope in the future others will have similar questions.

Anyway, I love this dress, just bought it on ebay. It is later 40s / early 50s, I think; no zipper, shoulder pads, and the label looks 40s. Anyway. There are what looks like slots for a button to slip into on the collar, both sides. Any idea what they might be for?

Thanks!!

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I'm thinking dress clips, which therefore opens up a new shopping world for me

 

[LolitaHaze]

My guess is that it originally came with a ribbon in the matching blue from the dress and it slipped through the openings like a bowtie almost... I would think it would cross over in front, but not be meant to be tied.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Love the color scheme of this one--it's really pretty!

They may have been for decorative buttons, which were removed, or they may simply be deocrative slits (I have seen similar detailing on dresses of the same era.) Dress clips would be a fun option, of course, so feel free to shop away.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

My guess is that it originally came with a ribbon in the matching blue from the dress and it slipped through the openings like a bowtie almost... I would think it would cross over in front, but not be meant to be tied.

Interesting I don't think I've seen something like that before, any visuals? also - the blue is on the underside of the collar and the cuffs of the sleeves. Love it!

 

[jitterbugdoll]

The fact that the cuffs and collar are lined with a contrasting fabric leads me to believe that the slits in the collar were designed to show off that color.
The dress has such an 'atomic' feel in the fabric pattern, that I would think something less fussy would have been used as decoration.

Do you have a closeup photo of the whole dress?

 

[Shimmy Sally]

You look so adorable in that dress!
Because of the contrast I'd guess it's just a decorative accent. I've seen that sort of thing in the fabric lovers scrapbook and on WWII era home-sewn "make-do" patterns.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Here are some more pics I just took quickly. I was thinking for dress clips some carved brown bakelite would do - but if they're decorative, I could give the wallet a break!

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Oh and thanks for the compliments JBD and ShimmySally!!

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Ooh, it's even prettier up close!

I'd say the slits are decorative--you can just make out the turquoise fabric underneath. A very clever detail, I think. If you decide to wear it with dress clips though, I would see if you could find a turquoise pair, to further accentuate the great color scheme.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Ooh, it's even prettier up close!

I'd say the slits are decorative--you can just make out the turquoise fabric underneath. A very clever detail, I think. If you decide to wear it with dress clips though, I would see if you could find a turquoise pair, to further accentuate the great color scheme.

Thanks!!! ($33, a steal, can you believe it?) What a great idea! I wonder if I could find some that match.

 

[Lady Day]

Ooooo, I have a pair of turquoise dress clips
but they may be a bit much for that lovely frock.

LD

 

[RetroModelSari]

I´d say either it´s for Deco or to put another collar above the original one.

P.s.: what a damn cute dress!!!

 

[Helen Troy]

Slightly fftopic: What are dressclips? Love the dress, btw!

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Ooooo, I have a pair of turquoise dress clips
but they may be a bit much for that lovely frock.

LD

Gimme! Just kidding. They look a little too blue anyway, I suspect I might have a hard time getting just the right shade.

 

[CherryRed]

My guess would be decorative too. They have more of that look than a utilitarian look. I LOVE the dress too!!

 

[thebadmamajama]

Maybe this will help?

I got this dress for $1.75 (!) and I should've fixed the left side, which should go to the left in the same manner as the right---but as you can see, it, too, has slits and it came with a satin decoration that wound around the back of the neck and came out the slits--it really adds a lot to the dress.

I LOVE YOUR DRESS, by the way! You definitely do it justice! :eusa_clap

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I got this dress for $1.75 (!) and I should've fixed the left side, which should go to the left in the same manner as the right---but as you can see, it, too, has slits and it came with a satin decoration that wound around the back of the neck and came out the slits--it really adds a lot to the dress.

I LOVE YOUR DRESS, by the way! You definitely do it justice! :eusa_clap

Thanks!!! I love it too. I love that scarf detail on your dress! My slits don't go all the way through though so it's got to be decorative.