A 1930s Dress and The Mummy 1932

1930s (40s)Plaid Silk Taffeta Gown. Sarara Vintage Image.

What could these two things have in common? Well, if you look to my September post; why I am in love with late 1920s gowns-I have clearly been enamored with the deco gown especially the late 1920s pieces.  My focus has been on first processing and researching the 20s gowns from the estate mentioned in my previous post. Those two have since gone to a private collector.  But, I still had one of her gowns left and after looking at examples and the garment construction it was clearly a 1930s gown in design-it is homespun so I am currently dating it to make sure its not 40s. There is no serged inside seams, just raw... But it has metal zipper to the back so this could indicate a later date or alteration.  It actually sat for about 3 weeks without being photographed.  Then, I watched the 1932 film by chance, The Mummy, starring Boris Karloff and as soon as our heroine, Zita Johann, appeared wearing the most divine long metallic thread gown I was mesmerized.

The Mummy. Universal Pictures Film Poster. 1932

These 1930s styles... oh the long gowns, the bodices, the construction, the prints and fabrics....  Now my dress is silk taffeta and has an incredible corset type material constructed in the hip area giving it structure.

Shimpton Couture gown, click on the link below. Image by Shrimpton Couture. 

A similar wonderful era gown is offered by Shrimpton Couture currently, which lends credence to their design history (see the dress above). Notice the similar lengths, fabric choice, bodice and pleating construction around the hips. These silk plaid fabric dresses would make for lovely additions to collections or party dresses, especial this season.

The Fashion of Zita, The Mummy 1932:
Now for a closer look at the costumes/wardrobe of The Mummy's female lead.  One can only say amazing!

The Mummy Film Still, Universal. Zita in Metallic 1930s Party Gown.

From the opening party gown to the suit dress with deco large geometric buttons, to her final Egyptian ensemble, one is hard pressed to pick a favorite.

Zita's suit dress, The Mummy 1932. Universals promo photograph.

Her clothing is everything one wants -old hollywood, glam, unique, chic and so 1930s!

Zita as Helen, The Mummy 1932. Universal promo Photograph.

Zita as the princess, Helen. 1932 The Mummy. Universal Photograph.

The Mummy, promo photograph of Zita Johann. 1932. Universal Studios.

Film stills of Zita in Embroidered Moroccan style lounge wear. Sarara Vintage. 

Similar to Zita's party dress. Amazing Gold Lame 1930s gown. Sold on Ebay by rp vintage. Images by rp vintage.