#2217 $1,600 Sold
Hand-embroidered lace tea dress, c. 1920
With their elaborate handwork, tea dresses from the early 20th century are treasured by today's collector. Nothing can compare with the textural quality of high-relief hand embroidery and handmade lace. The abundance of fine handwork on the dress appeals to our nostalgia for a more genteel lifestyle.
The dress retains its winsome beauty from 90 years ago when first worn to a garden party. Lavish embroidered floral designs of padded satin stitch, French knots, and bullion coils are framed with inserts of handmade filet lace. The drop waist is accented with a band of crystal beads and faux pearls above a flounce of handmade Irish crochet lace.
And there's more: central beaded medallions, decorative ivory satin sleeve bands, and beaded fringe. I love the blue crystal bead on the center-front beaded tassel. All the elements combine to produce an harmonious whole, a superb monochromatic design.
While the surface decoration is elaborate, the cut of the dress is simple. The classic T-shape slips over the head; the sleeves are cut-in-one with the bodice; and the skirt has slits both at the center-front and center-back.
The ivory dress was photographed over a peach-colored slip that is not included. You can use a white slip to make the dress appear white or use a pastel slip to accentuate the handwork.
I can see a gracious hostess in this tea dress: nothing could be more perfect than the costume; pure ivory, but the fashion consummate; a single rose her only ornament.
The condition is excellent. You just need to add a slip.
It measures: 38" bust, 36" drop waist, 42" hip, 19 1/2" from the shoulder to the drop waist, and 49" from the shoulder to the hem.
