#2440 $850
Tambour embroidered net lace tea dress, c.1915
Tea dresses from the early 20th century are perennial favorites for their romantic, feminine appeal. This one from the Armistice period of WWI would make a lovely informal wedding dress. It could be "something old" on your special day.
It is made from ivory colored lace over an attached slip of cream colored satin. The "lace" is actually dotted net that has been tambour embroidered (chain stitch) with flowers and scrolling vines. The slip, attached to the lace at the shoulders and waist, has a wide fagotted hem—see bottom picture.
I love the layered panels of lace across the front bodice. The bottom layer has knotted cord tassels on the corners. The dress features the square "Armistice" neckline, unlined three-quarter-length sleeves, and a flared skirt. Both layers close in front with hidden snaps. The use of layered panels to draw attention to the Armistice neckline is a stroke of design genius!
The dress retains the endearing charm it must have had a century ago when first worn to a garden party, perhaps by the young lady of the house. It must be the gossamer delicacy of the embroidery (4th picture down) that accounts for the enduring appeal.
The condition is almost excellent. I found few tiny mends that are difficult to detect and do not spoil the appearance. The dress is clean and ready to wear.
It measures: 40" bust and waist, 42" hipline, 16" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 20" sleeve length, and 46" from shoulder to hem.
