Description
Universal Costume Designer Vera West
This is a VERY rare peignoir designed by Universal costume designer Vera West. If you don't know about Vera West, you might want to do some research - she was quite mysterious and once you start reading about her career and life, you will find her to be an incredibly fascinating individual!
West was the designer of the most famous of Universal's horror films including Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, etc.. You can read my blog post about Vera West to find out more! Her life and death were as mysterious as some of her films! West was very famous for her gorgeous gowns - many times, the female leads of the movies she worked on would be wearing extravagant nightgowns, robes and formal dresses. She designed costumes for almost 400 movies from the late 1920's until her death in 1947. I acquired this 3 piece peignoir from a wonderful woman named Debbie, who is the daughter of the actor Reginald Denny. Mr. Denny had this peignoir made for Debbie's mother during the early part of their marriage. Both Reginald Denny and Debbie's mother, Betsy "Bubbles" Lee, were under contract at Universal, so they knew Mrs. West personally. So when it was time to buy his new wife a one of a kind peignoir, Denny turned to Vera to create something original just for his bride. He could have bought it any time from the late 20's until around 1933. This set includes an all lace teddy, an all lace gown, and a silk chiffon robe with lace trim, silk ribbon, and incredible handmade satin roses.
This set is unfortunately for study or display only as it is very fragile and has tears and weak spots making it unsuitable for wear. I was so thrilled to be fortunate to be able to buy it, as I am very intrigued by Vera West and am especially in awe of her extraordinary lingerie and sleepwear. You can see how the silk ribbon of the gown goes through lace panels similar to belt loops, which is something she did quite often. The fine ivory lace is absolutely some of the most beautiful I've ever seen - exceptional - and I especially love the way the lace on the sleeves drapes. The roses are to die for! This would be perfect to frame or display professionally - a wonderful piece of fashion history.
Helen Chandler in 1931 "Dracula" wearing a Vera West gown
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
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Modig is closing on 12/20/2024.
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Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
View our video guide to taking accurate body measurements:
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
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BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
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WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
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SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
Universal Costume Designer Vera West
This is a VERY rare peignoir designed by Universal costume designer Vera West. If you don't know about Vera West, you might want to do some research - she was quite mysterious and once you start reading about her career and life, you will find her to be an incredibly fascinating individual!
West was the designer of the most famous of Universal's horror films including Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, etc.. You can read my blog post about Vera West to find out more! Her life and death were as mysterious as some of her films! West was very famous for her gorgeous gowns - many times, the female leads of the movies she worked on would be wearing extravagant nightgowns, robes and formal dresses. She designed costumes for almost 400 movies from the late 1920's until her death in 1947. I acquired this 3 piece peignoir from a wonderful woman named Debbie, who is the daughter of the actor Reginald Denny. Mr. Denny had this peignoir made for Debbie's mother during the early part of their marriage. Both Reginald Denny and Debbie's mother, Betsy "Bubbles" Lee, were under contract at Universal, so they knew Mrs. West personally. So when it was time to buy his new wife a one of a kind peignoir, Denny turned to Vera to create something original just for his bride. He could have bought it any time from the late 20's until around 1933. This set includes an all lace teddy, an all lace gown, and a silk chiffon robe with lace trim, silk ribbon, and incredible handmade satin roses.
This set is unfortunately for study or display only as it is very fragile and has tears and weak spots making it unsuitable for wear. I was so thrilled to be fortunate to be able to buy it, as I am very intrigued by Vera West and am especially in awe of her extraordinary lingerie and sleepwear. You can see how the silk ribbon of the gown goes through lace panels similar to belt loops, which is something she did quite often. The fine ivory lace is absolutely some of the most beautiful I've ever seen - exceptional - and I especially love the way the lace on the sleeves drapes. The roses are to die for! This would be perfect to frame or display professionally - a wonderful piece of fashion history.
Helen Chandler in 1931 "Dracula" wearing a Vera West gown
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
Complete the look
Vintage Jewelry Makes the Perfect Finishing Touch
Complete the look
Vintage belts tie it all together