About Our Gowns
Some gowns are stitched with more than thread—they speak of love stories past, waiting to be awakened. At Little Rose Bridal we breathe new life into vintage gowns, think of us as your fairy godmother where we gently restore vintage wedding dresses with care, reverence, and a touch of magic. Each piece goes through a meticulous restoration process to renew and reimagine your dream wedding gown. We strive to honor each piece's history while preparing it for a new chapter. With delicate hands and discerning eyes, we breathe life into heirloom fabrics, reshape silhouettes, and let forgotten beauty shine once more. The result is a gown unlike any other—enchanted by time, made ready for your happily ever after.
Condition Ratings
The following condition ratings describe the gowns physical state. These ratings are included on all wedding gown listings. Detailed condition reports are also available upon request.
- Reimagined: Fully restored, additional fabrics, notions and re-construction
- Pristine: Near perfect, no evidence of wear, no visible flaws.
- Excellent: Gentle wear or minor damage, easily repairable.
- Good: Garment is sound, visible repair or in need of repairs.
- Fair: Significant evidence of wear or damage.
- Poor: No longer intact, usable for salvage, or study
Vintage Gown Characteristics
Victorian (mid-19th century): Crafted from delicate silk, satin, lace, or cotton, these gowns often exhibit yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., caramelized sugar, perspiration, foxing), and fabric degradation. Fragile lace or deteriorated silk may require a more intensive restoration process.
Edwardian 1901–1915: Made of silk, chiffon, fine cotton, or lace with embroidery or beads, these gowns suffer from yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, foxing, ink), and weakened fabrics. Delicate lace and silk elevate restoration challenges.
1920s: Featuring silk, chiffon, velvet, or cotton lace with intricate beadwork or sequins, flapper-style gowns face yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, foxing), and fabric deterioration. Fragile embellishments increase restoration complexity.
1930s–1940s: Constructed from rayon, silk, or early nylon, these gowns are prone to fading, stretching, yellowing, or disintegration, requiring gentle handling to preserve their delicate structure.
1950s: Composed of silk, satin, tulle, nylon, or rayon with lace or bead accents, these dresses may show yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, foxing), or brittle linings, often worsened by improper storage.
1960s-1990s: Made with polyester, satin, taffeta, silk or lace, featuring sequins, beads, or synthetic veils, these gowns experience yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, food), and wear. Heavy shoulder pads or voluminous linings add restoration complexity.