THE DRESS:
An extravagantly beautiful bride's dress or gown with underslip. Dating from the late Edwardian teens period to the 1920's. The asymmetrical dress is designed of silk crepe chiffon panels with heavy embroidery work of grape clusters with leaves. The embroidered grape clusters, are astounding, of thickly padded stitches showcasing against the wide insertions of silk hand made bobbin lace, which is 5" wide. The bobbin lace forms the side panels of the dress as well as influencing the trim of the sleeves. Separating the bobbin lace at the bodice area, a darker cream narrow fringe embellishes this creation. This same fringe, with crocheted teardrops attached, edges the bobbin lace side panels at the hem. Neckline is "vee" shaped, accented with black velvet ribbon peeking just over the edge. A crochet butterfly is appliqued to the front of the "vee". Three-quarter length sleeves. Typical of some of dresses from the era, the hook and eye closures fasten on a slant to retain the bias shape of the dress. Hem line is beautiful in a scallop design. Measurements: Length of dress is 50" long from the neckline to point of scallop at the hem. Across the shoulder from side to side 14". 30" bust. Natural waist 24". Hip 30". The condition of the chiffon and bobbin lace are very nice. A few tiny holes and a small area under one arm that the bobbin lace needs to be mended. Nothing major, just a few stitches. I also notice a few oxidation marks. Again, nothing heavy or very noticable. It is a beautiful dress, however, it has had some reinforcement along the area of the hook and eyes. In fact, there are not enough eyes to accept all the hooks, still, it may be the eyes came loose and were lost. I think though, there has been some alteration in this area. And if so, expertly done with no or little interruption of the lines of the dress. Newer lace has also been hand basted to the inside of the neckline to reinforce.
THE FULL SLIP / PETTICOAT:
The pretty slip is in a tan color of a silk fabric that compliments the ivory color of the dress. It is expertly made with flat felled seams at the side seams. 6" silk bobbin lace in a scallop design edges the hem line of the slip. Wide black silk velvet ribbon is hand stitched to the edge of the bobbin lace, giving a dramatic flare at the bottom. The length of the slip is longer than the dress so the beautiful edging of the slip peeks beneath the hem line of the dress. Straps are of lace, with another lace, laced, with ribbon. edging the bust line of the bodice. A gusset with corset ribbon lacing is hand sewn into the back opening for adjusting the fit. Noticable, too, there have been some alteration /reinforcement to the slip. As noted from the photos, the the bodice of the slip, at one time was silk lined, which for the most part has shattered. I also believe, the gusset has been reworked at the back opening as there is evidence of some hooks on the one side but no eyes on the other. The workmanship has been nicely accomplished to make the slip wearable again. Measurements: Length from the middle of shoulder strap to hem is 51" long. 28" around the bust with the corset strings completely laced. However, would extend another 3" if opened.
The dress was worn by two generations as a wedding dress. The alterations occurred when worn the second time.
