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A vintage Alfred Piccione cream silk and lace wedding dress, circa late 1960s-early 1970s
I thrift and restore vintage wedding dresses, this one is special. It has been gently cleaned without bleach or harsh chemicals. All buttons were intact, a couple on the back have retained some patina, there is an extra on the inside near the bustle buttons. The lace is intricate, extraordinary and flawless as I can best determine. I have lightly steamed but not final as I ship orders. Every pearl bead on the bodice is intact, no chips or discoloration. A 3 button bustle forms transforms this into a ball gown, 8 covered buttons on the cuffs, everything is original. This is free of perfume and has no bad odor. I have had my dresses resold by dealers and I don't want this one priced too low to be fair. I presume an Alfred Angelo Piccione but I cannot find verification of this label as such online... I would need to check I may have sewn in a new hook to close the top over the zipper (original and smooth). I am guessing this is from the 1960s but am unsure. Other than faint patina over 2-3 of the back buttons this is flawless.
in inches: bust 36-37, waist 31, sleeve length 24, cuff 6, length 57, train 16 in long 5 feet wide
Auction House
Yes
Hi Karen,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I appreciate that you don't wish to undersell this lovely dress. That label does look like an authentic Alfred Angelo Piccione label, who, along with his wife, Edythe Vincent Piccione, founded the bridal fashion house Alfred Angelo in the mid‑1930s, based in Philadelphia. Several elements point to a late 1960s/early 1970s date for this dress: the lace-covered high collar and yoke area are reminiscent of Victorian revival styles popular in the late 1960s and early '70s, especially after the influence of the "Edwardian" or "prairie" look seen in high fashion and bridal trends of that era. The long, fitted sleeves with lace was a hallmark of wedding fashion in the post-1967 period, when more modest, romantic styles came back into fashion and the slightly raised waistline is another nod to late-1960s trends, often used to create a soft, flowing silhouette rather than a structured bodice.
Wedding dresses are a bit tricky to evaluate for auction since that market can be wildly unpredictable; MOST contemporary wedding dresses sell for less than $200 at auction these days, regardless of designer because most auctions are overlooked by thrifters and vintage clothing dealers. I don't know what you paid for this but I think an auction estimate of $800-1,200 to be fair, given its condition.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Alfred Piccione cream silk and lace wedding dress
circa late 1960s-early 1970s
Bust: 36-37 inches, waist: 31 inches, sleeve length: 24 inches, cuff: 6 inches, length: 57 inches, train: 16 inches long and 5 feet wide.
CONDITION: This appears to be in exceptional condition for its age.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at auction
$ 800-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
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Ms. Delia, thank you so much for your detailed report!
I was thinking of posting $1400-1500 (and periodically have 20-30% off sales) so this is reassuring on all points: price, manufacturer, and approximate manufacture date.
I will download the report, thank you so much for all of your information, and your expertise!
Best,
Karen
RosaliesSecondDance shop on Etsy