Vintage Designers We Love: Priscilla Kidder pg.3

Vintage Designers We Love Pg. 3

Historic Innovations by Priscilla of Boston_TM

Priscilla Kidder was also a master of marketing and was perhaps the first wedding gown designer to promote brand name status. She sometimes found it necessary to educate young American women about what should be considered special in a wedding gown. When trends came and went, Priscilla stayed the course of sophistication, and her designs still stand the test of time. When looking back at Bridal Magazines from the past, her style and substance set her apart from the pack.

During the 1960's and 1970's, many designers chose to work in the newest man-made materials. Priscilla Kidder never wavered in her use of English net, sitting out a fashion fad while other designers worked feverishly with polyester. In hindsight, vintage Priscilla of Boston gowns from the 1960's and 70's appear timeless, making them difficult to pinpoint for their exact date of creation.

Priscilla of Boston 1975

At Left: Sheer English net gown with heavily pieced three dimensional Venetian lace, bell sleeves, vee neckline, circa 1975.

The body of the gown was lined in rayon taffeta while the long sleeves and train were sheer.

The headpiece is a variation of the picture hat, done in horsehair nylon with a short, unstructured brim. The long veil is unadorned and chapel length.

Looking very similar to a Badgley Mischka gown, this Priscilla Kidder offering was ahead of the duo by nearly 15 years.

Industry innovations in the company included the “Teeny by Priscilla” lines of gowns for petite women, “Priscilla Boutique” and the “Miss Betsy” line, named after her daughter in 1960.

In the 1970's, the Priscilla of Boston firm began a line of petite gowns, effectively marketed to customers who had trouble finding gowns in a size 2 as "Teeny by Priscilla." Aiming to please petite customers, the gowns were waif like and feminine, with body proportions suitable for women 5' 4" and under.

"Teeny by Priscilla" gowns featured the same superb dressmaking details of regular Priscilla gowns. Once a forgotten demographic, the petite bride was recognized by the Company as a niche market. This gorgeous gown at left retailed for approximately $600 in 1973.

Priscilla of Boston 1975

At Left: Sheer English net A-line over taffeta gown with pieced three dimensional Venetian lace yoke, short sleeve, circa 1975.

The inner layer of the gown was rayon taffeta. the outer layer sheer English net with pearl beaded Venetian lace. Raised waist underbust styling with sheer collarbone and traditional mock Victorian wedding neck. Matching floor length Mantilla veil with pieced heavy Venetian lace, a small cap for added height. Gorgeous simplicity at first glance, and then intricate detail upon a closer examination. Truly stunning.

Priscilla of Boston 1975

Above: Sleeveless empire sheath gown of Sheer Organza over rayon with pieced three dimensional Venetian lace flowers at hem and bust. A sheer removable Chapel length English net Cape train covered the shoulders and bare arms and snapped tightly around the neck. This design was truly cutting edge for a company that kept one step ahead of the curve.

In 1993, the 75 year old Priscilla Kidder and her 78 year old husband decided to retire after nearly 50 years in the wedding gown business, selling their family business.

James Kidder passed away at the age of 86 in the year 2001 and Priscilla passed away in 2004.

At 86 years of age, she could look back upon a life of service to the industry that will thank her for her many improvements to wedding gown style. She clearly played a role in saving elegance for many thousands of American Brides. Her wedding creations are truly works of art that stand the test of time.

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For more information on Priscilla Kidder and John Burbidge, please visit these Smithsonian Institution Archive links:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d9557.htm

http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d9562.htm

Resources: Life Magazine June 18^th 1971- Life Magazine August 19^th 1966
Modern Bride, The Bride Magazine, Brides Magazine 1949 to 1980
Additional Photography by Lauren Lavonne