1940s Birth Of Venus Gown
1940s ivory liquid silk gown featuring delicate ruching at the bust, princess seams, and soft gathering with piping at the hips, creating a beautifully defined hourglass silhouette. An internal corset further enhances the shape, allowing for up to a 2-inch waist reduction. Rosettes at the tailbone provide a romantic finishing detail.
This gown is a near-identical version of the one worn by our 1208 bride in her Vogue feature (please see the last 3 reference photos).
Thoughtfully modernized, the piece features a strapless sweetheart neckline, refined rosette detailing, and the addition of the internal corset.
Inspired by The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, the ruching at the bust evokes the shell upon which she stands, while the fabric falls in soft, fluid lines that mirror the movement of the sea.
Shown styled with a scarf (not included with purchase).
Features
Measurements
CONDITION
VINTAGE CONDITION GUIDE
Pristine — Never worn or in flawless condition, with no visible flaws.
Excellent — Beautiful overall condition. May include some visible flaws that do not detract from the garment’s overall impact.
Great — Noticeable wear with visible flaws, though still wearable and intact.
Good — Multiple or more prominent flaws that may affect wearability or overall appearance.
Fair — Best suited for display, repair, or study purposes.
Care
Please handle delicately. This garment is vintage and may be more fragile than modern pieces. Avoid excessive pulling, stretching, or pressure on seams and closures. Store properly and wear with care to preserve its condition. The piece has been cleaned and arrives ready to wear. A light steam will be needed to release any wrinkles from shipping. When steaming, we recommend using distilled water and placing a clean white cloth between the steamer and the garment to protect the fabric from potential water marks. When possible, steam from the inside of the garment for the safest and most gentle results.
Returns
Due to the unique and delicate nature of vintage garments, all pieces are final sale.
Please review the condition notes, fabric contents, full item description, measurements, and care instructions carefully prior to purchasing. If you have any questions regarding fit, details, or condition, we encourage you to reach out before checkout at hello@1208vintage.com.
Due to their age, minor imperfections may be present and are considered part of the garment’s history. These garments have lived full lives, surviving decades and often generations of ownership and wear. Vintage textiles are delicate and may show signs of wear. These may include light spots, faint discoloration, small marks, pinholes, areas of fabric wear, or previous repairs. Vintage garments were also constructed differently from modern clothing.
Many feature fine seam allowances and interior finishes such as pinking, which were commonly used in historic garment construction. Over time, seam edges may appear soft or fuzzy. This is normal for garments of this era and does not affect the overall wearability or integrity of the piece.
Any notable imperfections will be disclosed in the Condition Notes section of each product listing to the best of our abilities. While every garment is carefully inspected, not every minor imperfection can always be individually noted. These characteristics are typical of vintage garments and contribute to their unique history and charm.
By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept the nature of vintage garments and agree to our final sale policy.