Vintage Garfinckel’s Long Red Gown Size 14 Circa 1970s

I found this gem in Alexandria, Va. Alexandria is outside of D.C. I did some research and found a fantastic article on the website called Streets of Washington. Go give it a read! Garfinckel’s was established in 1905 in a small building on F street, and in October of 1930, a beautiful 8 floor department store for the “haute couture”, built by founder Julius Garfinckle (he changed the spelling of the store), was opened. He was well known for his fashion sense, and high society sought him out for fashion advice. It was also known for opening The Greenbrier Garden Tea Room from 1940 to 1990. Today the building is on the registry of historic landmarks and houses the exclusive restaurant The Hamilton. Flat measurements: Shoulder to End of Arms: 23” Hip: 20” Bust: 19 3/4” Waist: 17” Shoulder to Waist: 17” Waist to Floor: 24” There are pockets on both sides. One pocket, is coming apart at the seam, which I pictured. It is an easy repair with a little TLC from a seamstress. There are also some brown marks, kind of like a skid mark, that I believe is probably from dirt and being walked on, as they are mostly at the bottom of the dress area. I beleive they would come out with a cleaning, but I can not say 100%, and will leave that to the buyer. One tiny run, and one long run, maybe 5 or 6 inches, that is very thin, and I did not notice until I had it in the sunlight looking it over very carefully. I tried to picture both. It does not say fabric, but I believe it is most likely a polyester. It is a light weight fabric, as you can faintly see your hand when you put it under the dress; definitely would have to wear a slip or something underneath.

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• Listed Jul 20, 2024