Hollywood Starlet 1127: 1940s Misses WWII Dress Sz 32 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original Circa 1943 Hollywood Pattern No. 1127 – Princess Dress
Original circa 1943 Hollywood Pattern No. 1127 for a misses' princess dress, featuring RKO-Radio starlet Bonita Granville on the envelope front. Outside stitched seams run from the shoulders to inverted pleats below hip depth, front and back, with a shaped collar, buttoned side closing, and a choice of three-quarter length or short cuffed sleeves. Complete, Nice Condition.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 1127
- Year: Circa 1943
- Garment: Misses' One-Piece Princess Dress
- Size: 14 (32" Bust, 35" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Complete, Nice Condition
- Envelope and Original Instructions in Good Condition
Design
Hollywood Pattern 1127 is a princess-line dress with outside stitched seams running from the shoulders down into inverted pleats below hip depth, both front and back, giving the skirt graceful movement without added bulk at the waist. A shaped collar frames the neckline, the closing buttons along one side, and the sewer can choose between three-quarter length sleeves or short cuffed sleeves depending on the view. Views shown include a solid color with contrast trim, a tailored gray version with a bold bow, and a floral print with a matching fabric bow — offering real range from tailored to feminine.
A Moment in Fashion History
This envelope features Bonita Granville, billed here as "of RKO-Radio." By the early 1940s Granville had moved well past her Nancy Drew years and into more mature roles, and circa 1943 she'd just starred in RKO's Hitler's Children, the studio's biggest hit of the year. Hollywood Pattern Company's use of her image ties this pattern to a moment when Granville was very much a rising dramatic lead rather than the "girl detective" audiences had known her as just a few years earlier — the kind of star power the brand relied on to move affordable, accessible patterns off department store counters during the WWII years.
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. It's also part of our exhibit, 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.
