This is a vintage Western two piece dress by Ganscraft, sold by Gans Western Wear in Old Santa Fe, New Mexico, circa 1950’s. This company made costume like clothing to be worn in a local Fiesta, such as the annual commemoration of Don Diego de Vargas’ reoccupation of Sante Fe in 1692 .

The dress is made of a rayon broadcloth with a cream background with a design of lily pads and flowers in gray, pink, orange and lime green. It’s has heavy trimming of brown cotton eyelet lace, and cotton rickrack in salmon and brown with silver. The blouse has a pointed collar, long sleeves and very lovely buttons that look like pewter or silver (they don’t take a magic). The very full circle skirt is gathered at the waist and has three very full tiers with trimming. This was worn with a wide honcho belt of some kind.

Measurements: Blouse: bust, 42 inches; across back of shoulders, 16 1/4 inches length of sleeves from underarm to wrist, 12 inches; length from back of neck to bottom, 22 1/2 inches.
Skirt: waist, 26 inches; length, 24 1/2 inches. There is a tuck at the last tear that if let out would add another 4 inches to the length.

For more information about the custom of wearing these dresses in Sante Fe see this link: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Pasatiempo/-Where-dress-up-is-anything-but-child-s-play

Condition: the skirt has tears on the waistband where the hooks fasten, as well as some other small tears in the waistband. The blouse is missing one button and the elastic at the bottom of the sleeves needs replacing.

A beautiful dress to wear or as a decoration in your Southwestern or Tuscan home.

Shipping: $10.35 priority. please see store policies for more information.