The WWII Parachute Bridal Gown

[Paisley]

From Manolo for the Brides:

[Major] Claude [Hensinger] was flying his B-29 on a bombing raid over Yowata, Japan in August 1944 when the engine of the plane caught fire. He and his crew bailed out with their nylon parachutes. During the night while they waited rescue, Claude used his trusty parachute as a blanket and a pillow. After he and his men were rescued, he kept the parachute. When he proposed to Ruth in 1947, he handed her the parachute and suggested she make her wedding gown out of it. She did. Here are the results.​

(Click the above link to see the gown.)

 

[AmateisGal]

Absolutely gorgeous!

 

[Nashoba]

That is beyond awsome. What a fantastic story!

 

[Paisley]

More information on the construction of the dress, and the groom's wartime adventure, here at the Smithsonian.

The dress was based on one that was inspired by Gone with the Wind.

 

[SamMarlowPI]

that is just too cool...

 

[miss_elise]

that's just fabulous...

brings a whole new meaning to a soldier bringing you home some nylons though... lol

 

[Rufus]

Thanks for posting that paisley!

You always see fellas in War films saying' I'm keeping this for Doris...'.
Really lovely to see an actual wedding dress from a parachute.

Made my day!

;-) Ruf

 

[June]

Excellent !! :eusa_clap

 

[Darhling]

That is beyond awsome. What a fantastic story!

I agree!!

 

[goldwyn girl]

Just beautiful !!!

 

[Twitch]

Wow, I've heard of those forever but never seen a picture. Thanks!

 

[Paisley]

Looks like there were vintage enthusiasts during the Golden Era too.

 

[zaika]

lovely! :eusa_clap

and why not? it's pure silk, right?

 

[MaryDeluxe]

What a great story!! Thanks for posting that!

 

[Paisley]

lovely! :eusa_clap

and why not? it's pure silk, right?

That's what I thought at first, too, but it's nylon.

 

[zaika]

That's what I thought at first, too, but it's nylon.

no kidding? well, it looks wonderful. lol

 

[Murph351]

Thanks for the post.
It's great the things you learn on this forum!