Hollywood Starlet 766: 1940s Uncut Betty Grable Dress 34B Vintage Sewing Pattern
Original Circa 1941 Hollywood Pattern No. 766 – Princess Coat-Dress or Smock
Original circa 1941 Hollywood Pattern No. 766 for a misses' one-piece coat-dress or smock, featuring 20th Century-Fox star Betty Grable on the envelope front. This princess-line design buttons below a shaped collar, with sleeves made long in a bishop style or cut very short, and four pointed patch pockets that can be included or left off. Factory Folded and Unused.
Quick Facts
- Pattern Number: Hollywood No. 766
- Year: Circa 1941
- Garment: Misses' One-Piece Coat-Dress / Smock
- Size: 16 (34" Bust, 37" Hip)
- Pattern Condition: Factory Folded and Unused
- Envelope and Original Instructions in Good Condition
Design
Hollywood Pattern 766 is a versatile princess-line coat-dress or smock, with the front buttoning below a shaped collar for a polished, tailored look. Sleeves can be made long in a bishop style, gathered softly at the wrist, or cut very short for warmer weather. Four pointed patch pockets are optional, appearing as a striking triangular trim detail on the bodice and skirt in the polka dot and striped views shown, or left off entirely for a simpler line.
A Moment in Fashion History
This envelope features Betty Grable, credited here as "20th Century-Fox." Circa 1941 catches Grable early in her rise to stardom, not long after her breakout in Down Argentine Way (1940), on her way to becoming the era's top wartime pin-up girl. Interestingly, the envelope back also carries a printed "REMAKE 2/1/43" notation, suggesting this particular envelope may have been reprinted or reissued in early 1943 — a reminder that a single pattern design often had a life well beyond its original release date, staying in active production and circulation for years after its debut.
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.
