Fred Perlberg pleat ballgown

Grand-dame of glamourpuss gowns. A Fred Perlberg "dance original", crafted in heavy, glossy, nude-toned satin. Deep portrait neckline. Narrow, seam-fitted, boned bodice. Wide swath of skirt designed to fall into many exaggerated folds at each side --- a design reminiscent of sculptural couturior Charles James' cut-work. Side zipper. Small attachable horsehair waist cage (not used in pics) holds hips out à la Pompadour. A romantic and rare example of Fred Perlberg's work.

$150

size & fit

armhole: 16"
bust/chest: 34"
waist: 26"
hips: full
bodice (shoulder-to-waist): 16"
skirt/pant-length: 40"

condition**

Some noticable flaws. Still wearable -- but also useful as study pieces, theatrical costumes or fix'm-ups. Only purchased if item is rare, beautiful, or historically-significant. This gown shows its wear and is therefore suitable for theatricals, as a study piece, or as a candidate for restoration. It has been priced at a reduced rate.

Noted: Signs of damage are mostly lost in the mass of skirt fabric & consist of pale spots that blend into the fabric. There are a group of tiny lightened spots on the right hip, within a deep pleat fold. There are also several satin rubs at the back waist and near the back hem of skirt. The bodice shows a few tiny flecks of rubs (unlustered material). One hip undercage has been cut in half and the second undercage is missing.

Although the above flaws were not visible in the darkness of the shop where I purchased the gown, they are visible in harsher light. Most of the spots are tiny and hide in the material. Unfortunately the discolorations don't show up in my close-up photos, so I don't have examples of the wear to show. Spots are lighter than the material. There is one darker, quarter-sized spot at the hem -- a satin rub that is soiled.

Noted repair: short section of waist seam has been resewn (this unrepaired open seam is visible in pic 5) .

** Vintage items are precious, pre-owned pieces of history. Many have unique dyes and handcrafted prints, artisan weaves and intricate hand-tailoring -- details no longer available except in modern couture. Please love & respect your vintage.