#2461 $1,250 Sold
Hand-embroidered tea dress, c.1905
Nothing can compare with the textural quality of high relief hand embroidery. The abundance of fine floral embroidery together with delicate lace inserts and rows of pin tucks appeals to our nostalgia for a more genteel lifestyle. These qualities make Edwardian tea dresses perennial favorites.
The white cotton batiste dress features embroidery that combines padded satin stitch with French knots, both executed with great refinement and delicacy (6th picture down). The dress is sheer and will need a slip. I photographed it without a slip to show all the detail.
The bodice closes in back with tiny thread-covered buttons that are all intact; the skirt closes in back with concealed hooks. The soft feminine style features an open V-neckline, high waisted bodice, three-quarter-length sleeves, and a back train.
To modern eyes, a white tea dress conveys the engaging simplicity of the Edwardian period. Yet the tea gown likely had a more sophisticated fashion ancestry: the French peignoir, with which the tea gown shared a loose shape, soft lines, and often a train.
Our 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. It was 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 clean and ready to wear.
The dress was photographed on a mannequin over 6' tall. If you are shorter, you will have a longer back train.
It measures: 38" bust, 28" waist, 40" hip, 14" from shoulder to waist,
and 54" from shoulder to front hem.
