Wednesday, April 25, 2012

1910 Gold Silk Dress

Lovely floor length gold silk crepe dress, with a slightly higher than natural waist. It sports a higher square neckline, and just a hint of a pigeon front. The outer sleeves are cut in the kimono style, as a part of the bodice, and notched on the outside. The under sleeves are separate from the bodice, more fitted, and covered in 1” tucks. 
Both collar and sleeves are decorated with a beautiful hand made lace. The lace crosses the outer part of the bodice, and lines the split front of the dress, as well as creating a V-shape on the back of the bodice. Inside the lace V, the front of the bodice is covered in tucks similar to the under sleeves. 
Closures on this dress are a little confusing. The bodice lining fastens down the center front with hooks and eyes, but the outer dress fabric does not fasten here at all, because it is partially sewn to the lining, and simply hangs closed. The rest of the dress fastens with hooks and eyes starting at the point of the lace V in front and proceeding down along the lace line on the left side of the dress. The closures are well hidden in the fabric.
The fabric of this dress is very delicate and lightweight. It is amazing how wonderful it has held up in storage. The lace is in less perfect condition unfortunately. Time and moisture have caused it to become yellowed and stained.
This garment is probably from 
very close to the year 1910, given that it shows some of the sleeve characteristics of a year or two earlier, but a silhouette that is similar to dresses made a year or two later.
Measurements:
Bust: 41"
Waist: 33"
Hips: 60"
Neck to Waist Front/Back: 13/11.5"
Armscye to Armscye Front/Back: 17/16.5"
Skirt Length: 41

Blog Post By Kelsey Oliver :) My final post

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