Lovely silk dress circa 1908 to 1909. The color is a beautiful shade of reddish ochre that color shifts a bit. It's impossible to capture in photos.
Kimono sleeves with lovely embroidered floral lace sleeves underneath. Small iridescent beads trim the square neckline in the front.
Hook and eye closures down the center back. Bodice is lined with cotton and has a bust enhancer (ruffle) inside the neckline as well as dress shields in the underarms.
There was originally an attached lace chemisette/high collar to match the lace sleeves, but this has been removed.
To date this piece, I did some digging in the archives of "The Delineator" magazine, and although I wasn't able to find an exact match (I tried!) I did find enough similar style elements to say with confidence that the dress dates from 1908 or 1909, though likely the latter half of 1908.
I've included images of fashion plates from August and November 1908 as the last two photos of this listing.
+++ Measurements +++
30" bust
26" waist
52" length
+++ Condition +++
Lovely condition overall with a few flaws to note:
- Around half of the hooks/eyes down the back are loose or missing
- A couple of faint/small stains on the back, as shown
- Lace chemisette/high collar has been removed
- Tiny hole in one of the lace sleeves
- Some scratches/surface scuffs to the silk in a few places
- Wear to the hem
This dress is likely best for study/display/pattern making, but it would also be wearable with extra care if the hooks/eyes were fixed. The silk feels very strong and overall construction is intact and presents beautifully.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.