The Vintage American Prom Dress

The 1950's prom dress is one of the most recognisable and coveted vintage dresses out there. It's a style our customers ask for, again and again.  But why was such a fantastical dress designed in the first place?

Debutante balls originated sometime in the 1800's in America. They were a big part of a young persons transition into adulthood and particularly began to grow from the 1930's on-wards. Post-war America, saw a growth in wealth.  People had more expendable money and began spending more on leisure. It's at this stage that the High School Prom really took off. Before this, parties of this type were only for the wealthy, upper classes, debutantes launching into society and grand balls. The High School Prom brought soirees to the gym hall and eventually expanded out into hotels.

It was a way to celebrate and indulge in fashion and fun. The introduction of the Prom Queen meant that the young ladies of the time tried to out-do each other with the most elaborate dress. The bigger the better! 

The shape of the prom dress was influenced by the hugely popular "New Look" style by Dior of the late 40's. It was tightly fitted on top, particularly at the waist with a full circle, voluminous skirt.  

Prom dresses were decorated with masses of tulle, lace, corsages, beads and sequins, sashes, bows, ribbon and every other decoration you could think of as the young ladies tried to best each other in the glamour stakes!

We have a huge collection of original vintage prom dresses from the 1940's to 1960's but we really specialise in the 50's proms. Some are featured at the end of this post. We've also come across similar dresses to those pictured in the real, vintage photographs and fashion advertisements of the day. It's such a treat to see them as they were over 60 years ago. Owning one of these is a real snippet of history! Imagine twirling on the dance floor in something so iconic!

Today, our customers wear their vintage prom dresses for their wedding, as bridesmaids, to the debs, for a milestone birthday party, on the red carpet, as wedding guests and at the races.

Real Life Prom Photos

 

Prom Dress Advertisements and Fashion Photography

We have a dress in the shop that could be a twin of the green one. Pictured further down

So many ruffles!

Dirty Fabulous 1950's Prom Dresses

  

Gorgeous Vintage Gowns That'll Knock Your Socks Off! Arriving In Store Soon...

They just don't make em' like they used to! 

These incredible vintage, occasion dresses are all from the 1950's and 60's and every one of them is special. These are from our new vintage collection that will be arriving in store in the next few weeks.

You have our permission to drool.....

1950's lipstick red lace evening gown, with taffeta waist and tulle skirt

1950's white tulle, tea length prom dress with red ribbon embroidery

1950s dusky rose tulle evening gown with pink taffeta bustline

1960's lilac cupcake, organza prom dress with lace bust detail

1960's lemon organza gown with embroidered bodice

1950's Emma Domb blush pink taffeta evening gown with pearl and sequin embellishment 

Lets Go To The Prom!

Wedding and Debs season means it's time to wear your best frock. Take it from us, there's nothing better than a 1950's prom dress! These are just a small selection on our gorgeous vintage dresses that are currently in stock.

To see these dresses and more give us a call on 01 6111842 or email info@dirtyfabulous.com to book your appointment. 

Or check out Open For Vintage and get your hands on them before someone else does!

8 Favourite Dirty Fabulous Vintage Images - Occasion Wear

Our last post revealed our top picks of all the bridal photoshoots we've been involved with and this time we're moving onto the vintage, party and occasion wear. Having worked with so many talented and gorgeous people, it was super difficult to narrow the choices down but here are the ones that stand out and make us beam with delight!

Just click on the images to find the full credits and shoot images.