Making the 1960 Dress & Tunic

I was inspired by This Givenchy dress from Breakfast at Tiffanys. I loved the hot pink color and the shape of the dress. This 1960 vintage Maudella pattern really echoed the shape of the skirt and had a large sash at the waist. I found a lovely changeable silk with embroidered tassels to use for the body and decided to add my pop of color with a hot pink sash and binding. I also decided to line the dress and chose an iridescent twill lining. And, of course, I included pockets.

Because I was making a fancier dress, I changed the neckline to more closely mimic that of my inspiration dress. I drafted a lining and facings for the dress. I also decided to make bound buttonholes using the hot pink silk. Nine buttonholes is a lot – but I think they look nice. After sewing up both the dress exterior and the interior lining, I basted the two sections together and used the pink silk to bind the front edges and the armholes.

I added a hook and snap at the waistline as well as a couple of snaps at the neckline. I used some lovely pink rhinestone buttons down the front. The simple sash ties at the waist. The dress is very comfortable and since I made the dress for a New Year’s Eve celebration, I will be dancing the night away. The pockets make all the difference.