EMBROIDERY Dress with matching EMBROIDERED Vest PHENOMENAL

Nude-tan, crepe-backed silk satin lines the interior of the dress which closes by hook and eyes at the hidden side. Yards of expensive, dual-finished edge Reticella needle lace defines the low cut dress yoke of the dress portion above the bust, and fully around the skirt hem. The upper hip length vest also has the Reticella needle lace lining around the vest opening and bottom. The shoulders of the flapper dress have a sheer, ruffled lace-edged shoulder flounce that peeks out slightly from beneath the vest for modesty's sake. On the vest, the shoulders have rows of gentle gathered smocking. The dress must be worn with the vest as the under layer dress back has no net or embroidery there. This was done purposefully so the vest embroidery would not have layers that competed in embroidery busyness- this way you could see the pretty pattern clearly. This magnificent 1920's dress would be perfect to wear at the annual Gatsby picnic located at the Dunsmir Mansion in Oakland, California, or a 1920's dance, 20's wedding or flapper party. You should allow for at least 1"- 2" looser in bust and waist so this dress fits properly- flapper gowns were not usually tight.

Condition:

This is truly the dress that time forgot! This 20's gown has an extremely pristine and very clean appearance at first glace. Even up close there's only a VERY, VERY minor almost imperceptible "bleed" of slight yellow color from the floss onto the netting on the vest and dress plus the silk underneath very slightly- all just looks like part of the bold pattern, so can only be seen if backed against black material. I had to take many photos so that you could even make this out at all. One slightly darker 1" round watery looking tannish spot on one side near waist/ hip seam juncture- one tiny age spot on one shoulder flounce (see close-up) most sellers wouldn't even mention this. The overall "health" of the fibers of this gown is truly amazing. Yes, this dress can be worn safely if minor precautions are taken such as underarm guards, and using napkins when eating/ drinking and airing between uses (plus not storing on hangers). I know it sounds simple, but these types of things really help keeps a gown like this at it's best. All hooks and eyes strong and accounted for. I think there might have been a silk organza or Georgette lining at some point that might have been removed. If that is the case, it was removed so well, this does not distract at all. One 1/4" puncture on the netting on skirt that could easily be mended. A few net pinholes, but in all, the net, embroider and silk is 99.9 percent intact. Really in Very Excellent, museum quality.



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Taken from http://antiquedress.blogspot.com/

Islamic Fashion..

Islamic Fashion: Where More is…More.

My sister sent me a link about Turkish fashion week the other day. As usual, a link leads to a site that leads to another site and then maybe a blog, perhaps an online store…the cycle goes on. After hours of exploring, I came across an interesting announcement on a blog, “Christian Lacroix 100% Silk Scarves Today @ ideeli.” I found it interesting to see that societies that are more rigid or strict don’t just take the easy road when it comes to dressing. I’m not going to lie…if I had to think about how to cover up every inch of my body and still look trendy, I would pull my hair out. Islamic women are clearly skillful in throwing in commercial style, trends, brands and designers into their every day looks.

In Islamic societies, fashion is not overlooked. It is in fact, very much alive. Though Islamic women dress much more modestly, the latest trends still make their way into these cultures (in their own unique ways of course). While scrolling through some Islamic style blogs, I was surprised to see how similar my ideal looks for a casual Friday, date night or a weekend stroll were with theirs. The fashion in these regions are far from dark hues and baggy shapes. Every year, the runways of Islamic Fashion Festival hail colourful shades from all across the colour spectrum and silhouettes that are more shape defining.

Designers and retailers are beginning to (or if not already) cashing in on this, as in the case of Christian Lacroix’s silk scarves. It’s interesting to see how fashion unfolds in its own way around the world and very refreshing to know that not all fashion trends are governed by what the West considers the norm.

Taken from http://boyzfashion.blogspot.com/

Silk Ball Gown

Rare 1820s Raspberry Silk Ball Gown

Evening dresses of the 1820s were decorated with all types of fancy borders including rouleaux, the bands of bias cut fabric stuffed with wool or cotton that would provide additional body and shape at the hemline. In addition the hemline is decorated with a pinked silk ruffle above the rouleaux and above that a scalloped flounce accented with satin appliques that appear to be flower buds about to open. The dress has a slightly empire waistline with the bodice fitted with a series of three vertical darts on both sides of the bust.

The neckline is rounded and set off by delicate hand made lace and satin trim. The satin is carried around the neckline and extends in layered "petals" across the puffed short sleeves. Each petal is edged in lace and the sleeves are decorated with the same bud shapes and scalloped edging as is found at the hemline. Back closure with hooks and eyes. The sleeves are lined with a fine silk gauze that is deteriorated but this is not noticeable when on display.

The condition of this gown is remarkable! There is no shattering of the silk and only a few minor holes about the size of a pencil eraser are noted, a couple of which have been backed with tiny pieces of matching silk. There are also a few scattered and minor organic discolorations of the silk which do not detract and should not be unexpected on a piece of this age. Faint crescents of underarm discoloration are also present but again, do not detract. No noted weakness or deterioration of the fabric other than noted.

Taken from http://antiquedress.blogspot.com/