The 1930s were truly one of the most elegant and fashionable decades in cinema history and fashion history. Here in the hub of New York’s bridal business, the search for a 1930s wedding dresses Brooklyn Bride is on in search of not just a beautiful wedding gown, but an experience which transports them to another time and place. A time and place when fashion defined a certain streamlined elegance of form, soft shapes, bias-cut silk fabrics and above all else, a certain Movie Star, ‘Hollywood Style’, glamour.
The Timeless Allure of the 1930s Wedding Dress; The Artistry and Craftsmanship of a 1930s
Silk Wedding Dress; Why Brooklyn Brides Are Celebrating Fashion of the Roaring 20s’
Hollywood Decade with 21st Century Vows Lately, 1930s wedding dresses Brooklyn have captured our hearts and we couldn’t be more enchanted with the vintage bridal fashion of the decade. From learning the history of the exquisite designs of vintage bridal gowns to gaining insight into the intricacies of their construction, it is clear as to why these extraordinary designs have captivated the hearts of brides for generations of years and why Brooklyn Brides are no exception.
The Allure of the 1930s Silhouette: Why Brooklyn Brides are Choosing Vintage
If someone said the 1930s to you what would spring to mind. The feminine form was here to stay and new styles were emerging, far removed from the boxy boyishness of the 'flapper' dresses of the 1920s. Some of the great designers such as Madeleine Vionnet pioneered a new shape using bias cutting to create a completely new silhouette. This involved cutting the fabric at a 45 degree angle so that when it draped over the curves of the body it behaved much like a liquid.
As a modern woman looking into vintage 1930s wedding dresses Brooklyn the era of the ‘liquid look’ is incredibly appealing to me. No heavy skirts or hoop structures such as in the 50s and no over the top lace and embroidery of the 80s, instead the 1930s dresses are lightweight, contemporary and profoundly sexy and beautiful, creating a silhouette of perfect height, moderation and sumptuousness all at once.
The world was going to pot, but cinema helped to ease the hardships. It gave people a break from reality. Wedding brides during that time, like Carole Lombard and Greta Garbo, aspired to a screen worthy of movie idols. And here in Brooklyn, in the old ateliers, that style of beauty — known today as Old Hollywood Glamour — is what many couples seek to have for their own, something that truly stands the test of time rather than an unoriginal or overly fashionable look that will one day be “out of style.”
1930s Silk Wedding Dress: The Fabric of Dreams
To me, the best luxury vintage gowns are made of the finest materials and I am yet to see anything better than a true 1930s silk wedding dress. You should expect to see fabric such as silk crepe, liquid satin and silk velvet.
Why Silk Satin?
The silk satin we use is a vintage variety from the 1930s, a weight and sheen that is not typically found in modern wedding veils due to the high cost and the quantity needed to produce them in mass. We have found that the light is reflected in a way that gives a stunning dimension to photographs, which is particularly relevant to modern indoor Brooklyn weddings whether in an industrial loft or a historic brownstone.
The Art of the Bias Cut
The bias cut was what made our 1930s silk wedding dress so stunningly beautiful. By cutting the fabric on the bias it developed stretch in both directions of the cut. Because of this, the fabric clung to the torso, and then flared out into a magnificent, long train, also known as a “puddle train.” When we walked down our Brooklyn aisle in our vintage 30s bias cut wedding dress, the fabric of the gown seemed to move right along with us creating a truly otherworldly flow or motion.
Featured Vintage-Inspired Designs for the Modern Bride
These fabulous fabrics can be transformed into truly one of a kind works of art when made into a real vintage sewing pattern inspired gown, using modern patterns, sizing and fabrics, so you can actually wear them.
1. The Mae Vintage Wedding Gown Dress
Taking inspiration from the towering height of 1930s Art Deco fashion, the Mae Vintage Wedding Gown is the most elegant of era-inspired designs. This truly opulent gown embodies the quintessence of a 1930s silk wedding dress with exquisite design of the fabric and a strong emphasis on perfect design of shape and line.
A gown that redefines modern glamour, the collection’s opening design features a bias-cut silhouette with soft, flowing lines reminiscent of Old Hollywood.
Best For: A chic, sophisticated Brooklyn wedding celebrating an evening affair or a Gatsby themed affair.
Fantastic addition to your vintage wardrobe! Style Tip: Wear this with a finger-wave and drop-pearl necklace for a look that truly shines in the 1930s!
2. Ines - Bias Cut Wedding Dress | Crepe Back Satin Gown
The Ines Vintage Bias Cut Wedding Dress Gown exudes timeless 1930s glamour with elegant body-skimming drape and Greco-Roman flow. Crafted in luxurious silk crepe-back satin, it features a flattering V-neckline, wide sleeves, and graceful train. Designed to enhance curves beautifully, this handcrafted gown offers sophistication, romance, and vintage-inspired bridal charm.
3. Thea - Stylish Crepe Back Satin Bridal Gown
Graceful and timeless, the “Thea” bridal gown is crafted from luxurious silk crepe back satin, featuring a draped cowl neckline and delicate beaded detailing. A removable pleated cape adds versatility, while the fluid mermaid silhouette and elegant train create a modern, goddess-like bridal look.
Finding the Perfect 1930s Wedding Dresses in Brooklyn
Many of New York's indie bridal designers and vintage collections have set up shop in Brooklyn. From the cobblestone streets of DUMBO to the gritty studios of Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a bride's one stop shop for anything vintage wedding.
Styling Your 1930s Vintage Look
The 1930s style of a woman's gown has to be duplicated in every detail of her make-up and hair-dressing if she wishes to fully embody the spirit of the period. The Headpiece I'm dreading, dreading, dreading the over-the-top taffeta and beaded tiaras that reigned supreme in the 1990s. Far more feminine and elegant are the Juliet caps made of lace that were donned in the 1930s. And talk about period-perfect, I love the use of wax flowers in this headpiece. So delicate and sweet!
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The Veil: Long, cathedral-length veils in silk tulle complement the sleekness of a 1930s silk wedding dress.
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Shoes: Look for a T-strap heel or Mary Jane with a Louis heel that is medium height. This will ensure your feet can dance the night away at your Brooklyn event venue.
- Costume Design: Gowns of satin silk were designed in bias cut forms with long pendant necklines in a Jewelled Art Deco style inspired by the jewelry of the era. Emerald cuts and geometric forms abounded and long necklines which fell to the floor emphasized the dipping back of the bias cut gowns.
Preservation and Care for Vintage Silk
A real 1930s wedding dress is very special and they need to be treated with the upmost care so they can be preserved. Bias Cut Silk fabrics stretch easily, so should never be hung. They will distort, grow longer, and lose their folds and shape if they are. They should always be laid flat on shelves, inside acid free tissue paper. Silk from the 1930s can be extremely fragile, particularly around the underarms and seams. Any cleaning required on such items should be done by a specialist dry cleaner who has experience with historic textiles.
Conclusion:
Choosing a 1930s wedding dresses Brooklyn is a testament to a bride's appreciation for history, art, and timeless style. Whether you choose an authentic archival piece or a beautifully crafted reproduction like the Mae Vintage Wedding Gown Dress, you are stepping into a legacy of elegance.
The 1930s taught us that even in difficult times, beauty and grace remain essential. By wearing a 1930s silk wedding dress, you aren't just wearing a costume; you are wearing a design philosophy that celebrates the woman, the fabric, and the enduring power of glamour. As you walk through the streets of Brooklyn on your wedding day, you carry with you the magic of the Silver Screen and the sophisticated spirit of a bygone era.
FAQs
1. Where can I find authentic 1930s wedding dresses in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is home to several high-end vintage archives and independent designers who specialize in the 1930s aesthetic. You can find it at Tony Hamaway, particularly known for curated vintage bridal collections.
2. What makes a 1930s silk wedding dress different from modern silk dresses?
1930s silk often utilized a "weighted" technique or specific weaves like silk crepe-back satin that have a unique drape. Additionally, the mastery of the bias-cut in the 30s is a hallmark of the era that modern mass-market brands rarely replicate.
3. Are 1930s wedding dresses comfortable to wear?
Yes! One of the reasons brides search for 1930s wedding dresses Brooklyn is for comfort. Because they are often unboned and lack heavy petticoats, they are incredibly lightweight and allow for a full range of movement.
4. Can I find 1930s wedding dresses for a plus-size bride?
Finding authentic vintage in larger sizes can be a challenge. However, many Brooklyn designers create "vintage-inspired" gowns like the Mae Vintage Wedding Gown Dress which offers the 1930s silhouette in a full range of modern sizes.
5. What are the key features of a 1930s wedding dress?
Key features include the bias-cut, cowl necklines, puffed sleeves (often called "butterfly" or "bishop" sleeves), button-down backs, and the use of liquid satins and silks.
6. How much should I expect to pay for a 1930s silk wedding dress?
Price varies based on condition and designer. An authentic, well-preserved 1930s gown can range from $1,500 to over $5,000. High-quality vintage-inspired reproductions often fall within a similar range due to the cost of luxury silk.
7. What kind of hair and makeup goes with a 1930s bridal look?
Finger waves or a soft "faux bob" are quintessential 1930s. For makeup, think defined "pencil" eyebrows, matte skin, and a deep berry or classic red lip to capture that Old Hollywood glamour.
8. Is it possible to alter an original 1930s wedding dress?
It is possible, but you must take it to a specialist. Because of the bias cut, altering these dresses is a technical challenge. One wrong cut can ruin the way the entire garment drapes.
9. Why is the bias cut so important for 1930s fashion?
The bias cut allows woven fabric to become stretchy. In the 1930s, this replaced the need for heavy corsetry, allowing the dress to skim the body naturally and comfortably.
10. Can I wear a 1930s wedding dress for a modern warehouse wedding?
Absolutely! The "Industrial Glamour" look is a huge trend. The sleekness of a 1930s silk wedding dress provides a stunning contrast to the raw brick and concrete often found in Brooklyn wedding venues.
