BELLE O' THE BALL Hoops, vintage 1940s collapsible hoop frame crinoline petticoat, Clayton Mfg. Co, plastic skirt hoop for travel w/ case

vintage 1950s BELLE O' THE BALL Hoops,
collapsible hoop frame crinoline petticoat,
Clayton Mfg. Co, plastic skirt hoop for travel w/ case

I never cease to be amazed by this work of art and engineering. Created and patented in 1947 by Mary Tom Clayton out of plastic and cotton, this hoop was meant to be easily transported during traveling.
So special, one now resides at the MET.

Cotton straps wrap around the waist and fasten with a series of snaps. Easily adjustable by snapping more or less overlap.
The two tiers accordion in and out to expand or contract.
Perfect solution for a full ball gown!
Traveling case includes a center compartment for storage.

Costume idea - back in my wild child, free spirit gypsy days, I would have put on a green leotard, and wrapped this in Christmas lights to show up to the party as a Christmas tree. :)
But I'm old now...

Excellent condition - maybe a scuff or two on the case; one "rung" is reinforced with a cable tie. See last pic.

Waist adjusts from 22-32"
Free hips
31" long
Case approx. 8" wide x 4" high

Best to lay it on the floor to expand and fold back up.


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