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Condition Ratings

The following condition ratings describe the gowns physical state. These ratings are included on all wedding gown listings. Detailed condition reports are also available upon request.

  • Reimagined: Fully restored, additional fabrics, notions and re-construction
  • Pristine: Near perfect, no evidence of wear, no visible flaws.
  • Excellent: Gentle wear or minor damage, easily repairable.
  • Good: Garment is sound, visible repair or in need of repairs.
  • Fair: Significant evidence of wear or damage.
  • Poor: No longer intact, usable for salvage, or study

 

The Restoration Process

Restoring an antique wedding gown is a refined art, with costs reflecting the gown’s era and condition. Each wedding gown presents unique materials and challenges, impacting restoration complexity and cost. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations for cost drivers based on era, fabric content and the care required.

 

Vintage Gown Characteristics

Victorian (mid-19th century): Crafted from delicate silk, satin, lace, or cotton, these gowns often exhibit yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., caramelized sugar, perspiration, foxing), and fabric degradation. Fragile lace or deteriorated silk may require a more intensive restoration process.

Edwardian 1901–1915: Made of silk, chiffon, fine cotton, or lace with embroidery or beads, these gowns suffer from yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, foxing, ink), and weakened fabrics. Delicate lace and silk elevate restoration challenges.

1920s: Featuring silk, chiffon, velvet, or cotton lace with intricate beadwork or sequins, flapper-style gowns face yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, foxing), and fabric deterioration. Fragile embellishments increase restoration complexity.

1930s–1940s: Constructed from rayon, silk, or early nylon, these gowns are prone to fading, stretching, yellowing, or disintegration, requiring gentle handling to preserve their delicate structure.

1950s: Composed of silk, satin, tulle, nylon, or rayon with lace or bead accents, these dresses may show yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, foxing), or brittle linings, often worsened by improper storage.

1960s-1990s: Made with polyester, satin, taffeta, silk or lace, featuring sequins, beads, or synthetic veils, these gowns experience yellowing, oxidation, stains (e.g., perspiration, makeup, food), and wear. Heavy shoulder pads or voluminous linings add restoration complexity.

 

Restoration Options

Restoring an antique gown is a delicate craft, beginning with a meticulous inspection and fabric testing to ensure tailored care. Immersion cleaning (water-based), gently lifts oxidation and stains, while fragile or non-colorfast gowns undergo a neutral powder-based dry cleaning method to refresh and protect without risking damage. Intricate repairs address tears, fragile linings, or loose embellishments, with special care for vintage buttons or pearls, often replaced with silk satin alternatives to preserve integrity. Premium restoration including advanced stain removal and extensive repairs, ensure-near museum quality results.

All our gowns undergo either a Dry Clean or Immersion Restoration process. Below details each method and the benefits you receive when purchasing a Little Rose Bridal Gown.

Dry Clean Process : Neutral PH balanced powder dry cleaning. This process is done by hand, suitable for weak and brittle gowns and gowns that are prone to bleeding, or damaged. Depending on the fabrics condition, number of applications needed and time required, this process can range from $250–$700 (Not suitable for major stain removal)

Immersion Restoration Process: This is a water based cleaning process. Suitable for gowns with light-to extensive staining and minimal existing damage. Price is based on fabric condition, extent of staining/damage and time required. This process can range from $200–$450

Restorative Mending: Prices vary based on damage, fabric type, materials required to restore gown and time spent. Ranging from $200-$1,000+

Steam and Press: Dependent on fabric type, pleats, layers, complexity and condition of the gown. Ranges $50- $200

 

Risks and Considerations

The restoration of antique gowns, due to their delicate nature, carries inherent risks such as lace tears, silk chafing, or thinning fabrics. Complete stain removal and/or repair of existing damage cannot be guaranteed.