While browsing the web during my Christmas break I stumbled upon this beauty of a dress on Pinterest…a 1950’s Emma Domb Pink Black Tulle Cocktail Dress (seen below). WOW!
Source: 1stdibs.com
After I was finished drooling all over my computer (ha ha), I sat back and thought to myself…”So who was Emma Domb?”
Well for today’s post we are going to learn all about who Emma was, view some vintage advertising & imagery and then see some STUNNING examples (some available to buy right now) of her creations.
Let the fun begin!
Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Emma Domb
About Emma Domb:
Emma Domb was a Kentucky-born dress designer based in San Francisco, California. Beginning in 1939, the Domb Manufacturing Company, owned by Emma Domb and her daughter Lorraine Domb Steinberg, specialized in ultra-feminine “important occasion” dresses at affordable prices.
Domb claimed that her interest in fashion came from creating baby clothes for Lorraine. Soon, she found herself making clothing for other babies. Her designs progressed naturally from toddlers’ and children’s dresses to teen-age party and prom dresses (Party Lines by Domb), then, sophisticated evening wear and, inevitably, wedding gowns. There was even a decades-long relationship with the Miss America pageant, with Domb supplying contestants’ gowns, until 1974 when illness forced her to close her manufacturing plant in Apparel City. The company was dissolved in 1980.
Named after Lorraine and headed by her husband Alan Steinberg, the Lorrie Deb division was added in 1951, with a focus on “young deb” junior size dresses. The popular line was dissolved in 1986 (Source).
October 1947. A caption on the back of the photo reads:
A debutante’s dream gown that will make its bow in Paris on October 16 – Emma Domb’s bouffant white net frock designed for dancing. Created for San Francisco’s “Fashion Premiere in Paris” on October 16 (Source).
Emma Domb Vintage Advertising:
1946 fashion ad featuring the sweetest party dress.
Source: Flickriver-myvintagevogue
1956 black and white print ad for a wedding gown of tafetta and imported lace by Emma Domb with a matching ballerina bridesmaid dress.
Source: periodpaper.com
1950s Fashion Ad.
Source: evolutionvtg.blogspot.com
Emma Domb 1958 vintage fashion ad for a bridesmaid dress.
Source: Flickr
A non traditional wedding dress look featuring this dreamy 1960s dress & overblouse.
Source: Flickr
A 1950’s Bridal party. All dresses by Emma Domb. Stunning!
Here is a gorgeous example of a late 1950s early 1960s white nylon chiffon Emma Domb gown that would be perfect for that vintage wedding look or any event.
Source: Etsy – TheRomantiquary
Examples of Miss America Pageant Dresses by Emma Domb:
Marian McKnight, Miss America 1957, in Fuller Everglaze cotton satin dress by Emma Domb.
Source: HAGLEY DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958, in Custom’s Everglaze cotton satin ball gown by Emma Domb.
Source: HAGLEY DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Mary Ann Mobley, Miss America 1959, in Everfast’s Everglaze cotton ball gown and matching stole by Emma Domb.
Source: HAGLEY DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Nancy Anne Fleming, Miss America 1961, in Ban-Lon lace short formal gown by Emma Domb.
Source: HAGLEY DIGITAL ARCHIVES
Real Life Examples of Emma Domb Dresses
(updated June 2024)
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.
Vintage Shopping: I have created an Etsy Collection of Vintage Emma Domb dresses from the 1940s-1960’s that is updated as I discover them for sale (Over 50 dresses avail for sale as of March 2023)
1940s Emma Domb Party Line plaid taffeta gown dress.
Source: eBay
1940s Striped Taffeta Halter Evening Gown By Party Lines.
Source: Etsy
If I could own this dress and be able to wear it every single day I would! A 1940s pink and blue full length cotton plaid halter dress with white frilled ruffles. While there is no label this looks like it would be from the Emma Domb Party line.
Source: Etsy – FabGabs
1940s Gown. This long dress is another example of her earlier production and is crafted of a beautiful shade of rose crepe.
Source: 1stdibs.com
Gorgeous blue tulle evening gown trimmed with white lace by Emma Domb California. Circa 1950s.
Classic 1950’s dress with a fitted bodice, nipped waist and full gathered flaring skirt.
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950’s Emma Domb Grey chartreuse floral print cotton strapless dress. Stunning example of the “New Look” silhouette.
www.1stdibs.com
1950s Emma Domb coral tulle dress -WOW! (Sold).
Source: Etsy
In need of a Christmas / Holiday Dress? This 1960’s Emma Domb Iridescent green and blue evening dress is perfect! This dress is incredible, it’s made in a heavy weight taffeta that has a green and blue sheen.
Source: Etsy-GFRvintage
1950s Emma Domb Gothic black taffeta gown with back wings & rhinestones.
Source: Etsy-THEGIRLCANTHELPITUSA
1950s light blue Emma Domb Ballgown. WOW! Dreamy!
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950s Emma Domb black beaded pearl tulle dress (Avail HERE as of June 2024).
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950’s Emma Domb aqua blue sequin-leaves applique taffeta tiered gown.
Source: 1stdibs.com
Do you love the above dress? Well I found it on Etsy in a soft rose colour. This dress would make a statement at any party or event you attend!
Source: Etsy
I can’t get over how gorgeous these dresses are! Here is another one…a 1950s Emma Domb red sequin satin dress.
Source: Etsy
Vintage 1950s pastel yellow Emma Domb bustier evening gown.
Source: Etsy – LessThanPerfect
An absolutely exquisite strapless original 1950’s party/prom dress in an enchanting confection of cascading baby pink tulle and lace butterfiles.
Source: Etsy
1950’s Rose-Garden floral cotton & satin applique sequin gown.
Source: 1stdibs.com
Bombshell dress alert! 1960s Emma Domb chiffon gown.
Source: Etsy
“Emma Domb” Vintage 1950’s Satin and Sequin Embellished Evening Gown. This is totally my style.
Source: Etsy
1960s Emma Domb Sequined Crepe Cape Tunic Evening Gown.
Source: Etsy
1960s Floral Emma Domb Dress with a white floral patterned fabric with a sheer robins egg blue chiffon overlay and a wide, ruched turquoise chiffon waist band.
Source: Etsy
I don’t tend to wear 1970s clothing, but this number I totally would! 1970s Emma Domb candy stripe silk gown.
Source: 1stdibs.com
Vintage 1950s Lorrie Deb Red Tulle Party Dress. As stated above, in the late ‘50s renowned designer Emma Domb started a dress line under the label name Lorrie Deb and this delightful piece is one such result.
Source: Etsy
I am seriously blown away by how beautiful all these dresses were and I 100% want to add a few to my own vintage clothing collection.
Question Time: Do you own (or owned) an Emma Domb dress? Heard of Emma? What was your favourite dress from above? Share any comments you wish to post in the section below.
Further Reading:
- Vintage Fashion 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
- Vintage Fashion Designers (Archived Blog Posts)
Thanks for stopping by!
Liz
I have an extraordinary black and white, sequined cotton satin gown. Late 1960s, I’m guessing. Met Lady Bird Johnson at an art ball in Austin while wearing it. Also bears an ILGWU label.
Yooza! WOW! That is a fantastic story about a fantastic dress. Thanks for sharing!
Liz
I own an Emma Domb California gown of white silk with white taffeta lining. It has a full length, full skirt, is sleeveless, with a fitted bodice, and has an amazing gathered “collar” that I am unable to accurately describe. I am wondering how to determine what it might be worth. Thank you for any help.
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for reaching out with your question. I unfortantely am not good at figuring out what items are valued at. For my own personal research I visit places like Etsy and eBay to do research on the designers name and see if any dresses match what I may own. If that does not work, I would reach out to a local vintage shop that sells vintage clothing from the 1940s-1960s and see if they can help you.
Good luck!
Liz
Hi Kathleen,
I have been researching Emma Domb because I’d really like a vintage wedding dress for my upcoming wedding, and I just adore the cut and lines of this designer, but have been having so much trouble finding one that is suitable and in good condition. Google searching “Emma Domb” has led me here, to read this thread! I was so curious to see a picture of this dress you mention having, if indeed you still have it and are still looking to sell it!
All the best,
Lacey
My mother had a 1940’s Emma Domb peach satin bridesmaid’s gown with matching stole. I have it now and it is in pristine condition. The beading on it is exquisite. What a fabulous designer!
How fantastic!! I’m so happy that such a beautiful gown continues to live on in your family.
Thank you for sharing.
Liz
I just found a 1950s teal Strapless Emma Domb dress that someone made into a Mermaid Costume! I am in the process of “dresscuing” it. The underlining is muslin but was cut by the Mermaid. Trying to figure out how to repair that part?? Wondering if I should replace with tulle? Also, it looks like the skirt can be bustled, but only in one side. Totally smitten with this dress and would appreciate any helpful ideas. CoMo Haven Maven
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out.
It breaks my heart when people do stuff like this. Sigh…BUT I’m so glad it found it’s way into your hands to help repair.
As for the help you request. I’m sadly no sewer (I wish!) so I cannot give any advice on that. I would join a vintage sewing facebook group, or a group for vintage fashions from the 1920s-1960s or if your on IG reach out to people who repair and sew vintage clothing (there is lots on Instagram). There is LOTS of people willing to help out there.
Good luck!
Liz
I happened across this 1950’s sleeveless, satin lined, full length gown in a heap of clothing at a recycling center here in NWA Arkansas. I was going to turn it into a corset closure for a Halloween dress. I did however think that I might need to look her label up…I was floored that she’s a famous designer. I’m so happy I never cut or sewed this dress!
My tag has a blue union tag with ILGWU on it. Such fascinating history that goes not only with the dress but the tags as well.
Taught this gal a thing or two!
OH! I’m so glad it did not get cut apart either! PHEW! What a fantastic find as well. Cherish this piece of fashion history. Emma Domb designs are fantastic!
P.S. I also check labels on my finds because you just never know!
Thanks for sharing your story.
Liz
I own an Emma Domb tiki inspired evening gown. It’s brightly colored 60s floral with beautiful gold beading embellishment and a cape back. Thank you so much for this blog post!
Oh wow! Sounds fantastic! I hope you wear it to all the tiki bars.
Thanks for commenting!
Liz
I just purchased an amazing gold textured floral fabric with tinsel throughout, Emma domb dress today at a vintage shop! The construction of it is incredible, appears to be all hand done! Wish I could add in a pic 🙂
Oh wow! What a find! Feel free to email me thevintageinnblog@gmail.com if you want to share the vintage fashion love.
Thanks for commenting!
Liz