#2278 $1,100 Sold
Hand-embroidered tea dress, c.1925
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 unlabeled dress suggests it is French.
The dress is fashioned in the manner of Boué Soeurs with exquisite hand embroidery on fine white cotton batiste bordered by inserts of handmade filet lace. The occasional Irish crochet flowers add to the textural appeal of the white-on-white design. The sides of the dress are fashioned from matching cotton tulle.
The dress slips over the head with no closures. The front and back panels are straight. The tulle sides have sewn-down pleats that are smooth over the hips, opening into fullness below and ending with a playful pointed hem that dips longer than the body of the dress.
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. It is clean and ready to wear.
It measures: 40" bust, 42" drop waist, 44" hip, and 43" from the shoulder to the hem.
