This dress is one of those little vintage mysteries. My client insists its from the forties but I think its a little later but perhaps parts of its construction were both based on and taken from original forties bts. The side zip is definitely older and the placement of the zipper then is probably what led to the confusion. I think it is the result of a dressmaker who just happened to a) like the old techniques and b) has an extra zipper in her basket that was used! It has a late 30s feel to it - flutter sleeves and a dropped waist. The skirt is tremendously full - the amount of fabric in there is astounding. This gives it lost and lots of movement like a true swing dress. The bodice has pretty little gathers around the scooped neck and on the back as well. The fabric is a synthetic chiffon with shots of lame threading worked in. A really terrific piece that is well made and gorgeous on a real girl! Mint condition.