Hollywood Starlet 1059: 1940s WWII Misses Evening Gown Sz 36 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original circa 1943 Hollywood Pattern No. 1059 – Evening Gown
Original circa 1943 Hollywood Pattern No. 1059 for an elegant misses' evening gown, with Hal Roach Studios starlet Marjorie Woodworth featured in the inset photograph on the envelope. This sweetheart-necklined design comes in two views: a dramatic full-length ballgown with its soft-pleated four-piece skirt scattered in small bow appliqués from waist to hem, or a shorter cocktail-length version sharing the same ruched bodice. Short puff or straight sleeves are both provided, along with an optional back tie belt. Complete and in Nice Condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 1059
- Year: Circa 1943
- Garment: Misses' Evening Gown (One-Piece Dress)
- Size: 18 (36" Bust, 39" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Complete Nice Condition
- Envelope Condition: Worn and Repaired (Professionally Repaired)
Design
Hollywood Pattern 1059 is built from thirteen pattern pieces and centers on a sweetheart neckline softened with gathered pleats at center front. A shaped midsection seams the fitted bodice to a dramatically full, four-piece skirt laid in soft pleats at the waist. View 1 sweeps the skirt to dance-floor length, with small bow appliqués scattered from waist to hem for a romantic, whimsical finish. View 2 shortens the same bodice to a versatile day or cocktail length, gathering just a few bows near the hem. Short puff sleeves or a plainer straight sleeve are both included, and a tie belt at the back is optional on either version.
A Moment in Fashion History
By 1943, American eveningwear had to balance glamour with wartime practicality, and designs like Hollywood 1059 show formalwear still finding room for romance even as fabric was closely rationed. The sweetheart neckline and bow-trimmed skirt reflect a softer, more feminine silhouette that offered an escape from the era's uniforms and utility clothing. The envelope itself features Marjorie Woodworth, a 1940s starlet who was signed by Hal Roach Studios after being discovered while a student at the University of Southern California. She appeared in several of the studio's feature-length "Streamliner" comedies, remaining under contract with Roach until 1943 — the very year this pattern is dated, placing her at the height of her Hollywood career when this envelope reached home sewers.
Illustration
The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Hollywood pattern envelope.
Connections
This pattern is part of our ongoing exhibit, Women of WWII - a growing collection celebrating the resourcefulness and everyday style of wartime home sewing. Also part of Hollywood Glamour - celebrating the golden-age film stars who shaped Hollywood Patterns' vision of glamour through the Depression and WWII years. Come take a look at either.
