A vintage original from one of Capote’s infamous “swans,” this gown perfectly evokes the Princess Di era and its excessive but prim wedding attire. The sweetheart bodice features a fully-covered bust and sheer illusion sleeves, while layers of bright white tulle billow from the skirt like cotton candy. An ample dusting of pearls and iridescent sequins balances a dramatic pannier-style cathedral train that attaches around ¾ of the waist, but can be detached to leave the gown a “danceable” length. A Cinderella confection both decadent and practical!
White wedding gown with front and rear sweetheart neckline and lace illusion bodice featuring pearl scrolls and flowers throughout; padded shoulders and long, sheer sleeves with pointed wrists and 7 covered buttons each side. 4-layer ballerina length tulle skirt plus attached crinoline sandwiched between 2 acetate slips; outermost tulle skirt trimmed with satin around full circumference. Hidden rear nylon zipper closure covered with ornamental covered buttons and 10 working covered buttons above; interior hanging loops. Matching detachable train attaches to dress waist via a series of Velcro tabs and hooks and eyes hidden by bottom of lace bodice; seven bustle loops on outside of train.
fabric: satin-finish polyester, nylon tulle, nylon lace, acetate
noteworthy: dry clean only
alterations: repaired splits in tulle on outermost skirt (see photo)
condition: gown in very good condition with faint yellowing at lace cords on dress bodice only and two repairs in tulle overskirt (see photos); train in near-mint condition with one faint smudge near center back hem.
measurements:
neckline opening: 9 ½” across
neckline drop: 7” in front, 10” at rear
shoulders: 14 ½”
sleeve: 27” from shoulder to wrist point (including 1” shoulder pad); 19” from underarm to inside wrist
sleeve circumference: 13” at upper arm, 6” at wrist
bust: 36” max
waist: 28”
bodice length: 15” from shoulder to natural waist (including 1” shoulder pad)
hips: free
skirt length: 44” from natural waist
total length: 59” from shoulder, 52” from underarm
sweep: 226 ½” (outermost tulle skirt), 210 (innermost acetate slip)
detachable train: 31” around waist, 15” long at hips, 78” long at rear center, 192” sweep
label: Gloria Vanderbilt
size: vintage size 6; comparable to modern size small – medium depending on bust or street size 2-4
