The Emma Domb company was launched in 1939 by Emma along with her daughter Lorraine. From the beginning they specialized in party dresses at reasonable prices. When Dior launched his 'New Look' they took that concept and ran with it, producing a myriad of dresses with full skirts for all occasions. The Party Lines label was launched on the 1950s to specifically go after the young adult/teen market. They duo produced the dresses themselves in their own factory and the dresses are well made and well designed. The last Emma Domb dress was made in 1974 when the factory was shuttered. The company officially dissolved a couple of years later. Her dresses were an American staple and they are a very beloved collectible in the vintage world.   

This dress is just so pretty. I am in love with it. It is really a beautiful example of the kind of dreamy dresses the Emma and her daughter were making. It could of course be worn for a multitude of events but it would also make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking for a vintage option or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. The dress is made from a creamy ivory satin finish fabric. The bodice is very pretty with a curved neckline that dips down just slightly at the centre  Tiny little straps curve up and over each shoulder. There is light boning on the sides of the bust for light support and it is seamed to curve around and over the bust. The waist nips in but there is no seam that runs across the waist. Instead the shape is created by a series of vertical seams that hold the panels that the dress is made of together.  Under the waist the skirt flares out to be very full. I photoed it primarily with an extra crinoline added underneath but I also took a shot without a crinoline so that you can see how you can wear it either way. It does have a light built in underskirt already and you could probably make it even more full by adding a very puffed and full crinoline. The highlight of the dress is of course the amazing floral design that is done across the entire front. The stalks and leafs are made from a silver and white bead and sequin pattern that is hand applied to the dress. This comes out from one side at the hem and then trails across the entire dress to the bust. Each flower is set on top of the fabric so each is literally is a 3D flower that sits off of the fabric underneath. This amazing extra touch is so pretty and feminine and absolutely sets this dress apart. This is really a wonderful fifties dress and I am obsessed with it. Excellent overall condition with some minor notes below.

The entire dress is backed in 1950s dressmakers paper and it closes with a back painted metal zipper. Light boning on the sides of the bodice. Has a light attached tulle crinoline inside. The extra crinoline used in the photos is not included. The dress presents wonderfully. There is a some grubbiness to the hem and some slight change of colour to the area around the zipper and around the tops edge of the bodice but it is grubbiness not perspiration stains. There are a couple of very light marks on the fabric here and there. Please see all the shots after the label shot. Even with all these it presents extremely well and photos beautifully 

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and generous cups - maybe a B-small C
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3913

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.