Velvet - Yeah or Nay?

Once again, fashion trend forecasters are telling us that velvet will be popular this winter.  I think they've been saying this every year for the last 5 in a row.  I'm not sure I believe it.  I've stopped buying vintage dresses in velvet because they just don't sell.  I think most women find velvet a difficult fabric to wear and they shy away from it.  What do you think?  Will you be buying velvet this fall?  Check out the roundup of velvet looks from the Fall 2011 runways at Tom and Lorenzo.

Shown above, A black rayon strapless dress by Rappi is accented with pleated white organdy at the front.  Sold for $60 in 1954 (about $504 in today's dollar.)

Vintage 1950s Prom Dresses

When I think of 1950s prom dresses, this is the style that comes to mind. Lots of tulle and lace in layers or ruffles, super-full skirts, and strapless bodices. This is the style of dress my mom wore to her school dances in the late 1940s. My grandmother made mom's dresses and then stored them in the attic. I loved playing in grandma's attic when I was a child, and those dresses always enchanted me. As it turned out, they were influential in my choice of career as a vintage clothing dealer as well!

Three strapless tulle dresses by Nadine Formals. The Nadine Formals company was based in St. Louis and is still in business today as part of the Bridal Originals company. These dresses sold in 1957 for $25 - $30 (about $195 - $235 in today's dollar).

This 1955 Rappi dress is fashioned of three layers of luscious raspberry pink nylon tulle over matching taffeta lining.

From 1957, the blue dress on the left by Dansant has a tulle sequined bodice with a taffeta circle skirt. This dress sold at Bonwit Teller for $45 (about $350 in today's dollar). At the right, a blue satin blouse is worn with a white tiered lace full skirt, both by Betty Lane.

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Vintage Evening Gowns - Ted Shore, Rappi, Oscar de la Renta, Sophie of Saks

November 1949 - Ted Shore long sheath dress with a sweeping overskirt in brocade. The dress sold for $45 ($410 today) at DePinna. The model wears long white gloves and rhinestones at her ears and neck.

December 1959 - At left, a pale green satin sheath with floating panels at the back. The wide waistband is of glittering brocade. Dress by Cameo Evening Fashions sold for $125 ($925 today). The model wears a rhinestone necklace as a tiara and statement rhinestone earrings. Long formal gloves and satin shoes by Herbert Levine complete the look.

At right, a pink silk peau de soie ball gown with shimmering crystals decorating the bodice. Dress by Rappi (remember her?) sold for $145 ($1075 today). The model wears rhinestones at the wrist and long rhinestone chandelier earrings.

We have a very similar lilac satin ball gown available now at Couture Allure for $145.00.

October 1964 - Oscar de la Renta exclusive for Elizabeth Arden sky blue silk faille with crystals embroidered at the wide waist and hem. This much sparkle only needs pearl earrings by Marcel Boucher and a statement coiffure.

October 1963 - crystal encrusted pink satin strapless evening gown with matching stole by Sophie of Saks. The model wears white formal gloves and white satin shoes. One doesn't need jewelry with this much sparkle!

Vintage Designer Puzzle - Who is Rappi?

During my years as a seller of vintage clothing, I've run into this label a few times, but I can never find any information about this designer or design house. All of the garments I've had by Rappi have been from the 50's and 60's, and all but one were cocktail or evening dresses.

So, I'm sending out a plea to the vintage community. If anyone knows anything about Rappi, please comment here or contact me through the website.


UPDATE: You'll find some great information about Rappi in the comments. This photo of her comes from a vintage sewing pattern.
UPDATE 2:  I was contacted by one of Rappi's relatives.  Her real name was Sydonia Rappaport Samalman and she died in 2000.