This apparently simple dress is deceptive. Its minimal line, very stylish in the 1930s, is often achieved by complex seaming and construction that throws great emphasis on choice of fabric and underwear, particularly improtand to achieve the correct fit. Cosprop has a fine collection of real 1930s evening dresses from which the costume designer was able to draw for Gosford Park. The original area at the top had perished and was replaced by black velvet. "Best" dresses were often kept for sentimental reasons by their owners who, young in the 1930s, survived until the 1970s or 80s when these dresses then came onto the market.