Hollywood Starlet 748: 1940s Uncut Betty Grable Dress 34 B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original Circa 1941 Hollywood Pattern No. 748 – Shirtwaist Dress with Action Back
Original circa 1941 Hollywood Pattern No. 748 for a misses' one-piece shirtwaist dress, featuring 20th Century-Fox rising star Betty Grable on the envelope front. The action back features a deep pleat running from the shoulders to the waistline, while the pleated skirt joins the blouse under a belt. The front gathers at shoulder yokes and buttons below a notched collar, with long or short sleeves set into a specially shaped armhole for greater freedom of movement. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 748
- Year: Circa 1941
- Garment: Misses' One-Piece Shirtwaist Dress
- Size: 16 (34" Bust, 37" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
- Envelope and Original Instructions in Good Condition
Design
Hollywood Pattern 748 is built for movement as much as style. The action back's deep pleat runs from the shoulders straight to the waistline, and the skirt itself is pleated front and back before joining the blouse under a belt. The front gathers at shoulder yokes and buttons below a notched collar, and sleeves — long or short — are set into a specially shaped armhole meant to give "greater freedom in active sports," per the envelope's own copy. A small patch pocket with a decorative emblem finishes the bodice, adding a bit of everyday flair to a design meant for real wear.
A Moment in Fashion History
This envelope features Betty Grable, credited here as "20th Century." Circa 1941 places this right at the start of Grable's meteoric rise — she'd just scored her breakthrough hit in Down Argentine Way (1940) and was quickly becoming Fox's brightest star, on her way to being crowned America's favorite wartime pin-up girl within a couple of years. Hollywood Pattern Company's choice to feature her here captures a star on the very edge of her greatest fame, making this an especially fitting piece for collectors interested in early Grable memorabilia.
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.
