#2617 $975 Sold
Lace and velvet special occasion dress, c.1915
This ethereal creation could be the costume of a fairy princess: it floats over the body like a butterfly's wings. It could also be worn for your wedding, since it is stronger than it looks. Our heirloom quality dress offers one-of-a-kind design at a fraction of the cost of couture.
The dress was made from layers attached at the waist to an inner petersham. The skirt lining is of ecru silk charmeuse with a hem border consisting of three rows of trapunto cording. Trapunto is an especially refined technique of embroidery, dating from 14th century Sicily.
The under bodice is of ecru China silk covered with a layer of matching silk organza, whose gossamer delicacy is of the last degree of charm. The outer layer of the dress is of ecru embroidered silk tulle lace with accents of matching velvet.
If you have not studied Edwardian clothing construction techniques, the stepped closure needs explanation. The bodice closes at the center-back with small snaps and hooks. One side of the skirt (open from the center-back to the side) attaches to the bodice with snaps and closes below the waist with small snaps. The other side of the skirt is sewn to the petersham.
The condition is almost excellent. The color of the lace has mellowed in a slightly uneven way. I feel that a fine 100-year-old Edwardian dress should look like one. The patina is part of the antique charm of a wedding dress that you may hand down to your daughter.
It measures: 38" bust, 28" waist, 44" hip, 17" sleeve length, and 53" from shoulder to hem.
