#2621 $1,200
Tea dress embellished with lace and pin tucks, c.1912
The Edwardian tea dress is increasingly popular with the modern bride, who wants a romantic one-of-a-kind wedding dress. This heirloom quality dress can be something old on your special day.
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
The dress is styled with a form fitting torso shaped by figure flattering princess line seams. The skirt, flared below the hipline, ends in an elegant train in back, fit for a Queen. The sheer dress will need a full length petticoat, preferably one with a ruffled flounce at the bottom to hold the shape of the skirt.
Made from sheer white cotton batiste, the lovely dress is decorated with lace inserts and rows of the pin tucks beloved by the Edwardians. The gossamer delicacy of the lace will entrance your "audience." The wide bertha lace collar perfectly frames the face. The dress closes on the side-back with small hooks and snaps.
The tea dress or robe d'intérieur was a type of déshabillé ("undress") that first appeared in the 1870s when day and evening dresses were tightly fitted. A welcome alternative was the tea dress: more comfortable, artistic, and fanciful. By the Edwardian period, however, fitted tea gowns (like this one) in fact became formal "interior" gowns that could be worn on public occasions.
This dress brings to mind a story told by celebrated designer Cecil Beaton (My Fair Lady). As a boy in London before WWI, he was taken to an open air entertainment, a theatrical garden party for charity, where glamorous actresses sold ice cream and autographed photos. He recalls the indelible impression made by the lovely white tea dresses.
The condition is excellent. It is crisp and clean and ready to wear. Just add a slip.
It measures: 38"-40" bust, 28" waist, 40" hip, and 55" from shoulder to front hem. Photographed on a 6'-tall mannequin, the dress appears ankle length in front. On a shorter person, the dress would be closer to full length in front.
