This is the only dress I've ever come across that carries a copyright date--check out the tag. It came from a wonderful private collection put together by someone who clearly knew what she liked and knew where to find it. Like much of the rest of the collection, for its condition, it could be new. I suppose it could be a really good repro. But somehow, considering the rest of the collection, I don't think so.

The design is not what you normally associate with the 30s. The ungathered  full skirt, the almost prim neckline, the puffed sleeves--all seem out of step with a country sunk in the Great Depression. But no era is a monolith of experience or circumstance. The fabric is a taffeta plaid of subtle tourmaline colors of green and pink interlaced with black. It has a metal side zip--typical of women's clothes well into the early 60s. And it was made for someone much taller than I am --it measures 15.5" from back neck to waist and 46" waist to hem. The waist is 27", the bust, I'd say, 34-36. It's the best sort of vintage--something old but vibrant, as wearable now as when it was made.