SURPLICE WRAP TOP: Vintage Fashion Wrap Dresses & Tops

Wrapped bodices are an important part of women's apparel and are worn through out history. But there is a real emphasis on crossing fabric across the front bodice during the 20th century. Perhaps it was Paul Poiret who injected this time honored style with a new twist. Certainly his infusion of kimono and other Asian details into western fashion of the 1910's brought wrapping into prominent use for the new century to come.

The vintage fashions shown below are a gallery of surplice styles that date from the 1950's through 1990. You will find that certain eras show a strong style identification with body wrapping, drapery and other forms of garment construction that involve crossing fabric over the bodice front.

The gallery is composed of garments from our collection, those listed in Pintuck Style on Etsy, and others that have sold. I hope it provides you with a new appreciation of the surplice, and how many versions can be created from this one concept.













Images:
title photo: detail from a Poiret garment, photo source unknown
Gallery photos:
1- Pink Jersey Dress, c. 1975-80
2- Pink Crepe Dress, c. 1985
3- Red Wool Jersey Top: Michael Kors
4- Black Jersey Dress: c. mid to late 1980's
5- Pink Georgette Dress: c. late 1970's - early 1980's
6- Blue Damask Dress: c. mid-1980's
7- Pink Floral Dress: c. 1960
8- Black Print Matte Jersey Dress: c. mid to late 1980's
9- Pink Jersey Dress: c. late 1940's - late 1950's
10- Purple Wool Jersey Dress: Anne Klein
11- Black Velvet Dress: c. late 1980's


NOTE: CLICK on the images to see them in a large size.
IMAGES: Please contact me if you want to use the photos here, or quote from this blog. I really appreciate that courtesy, thank you!