A stunning original 1920s beaded silk gown which has all the hallmarks of evening dress from this decade. It is in amazing condition and has evidently barely been worn. The dress has a modest high scooped neckline, short sleeves with a micro-pleated edge and an inbuilt cream silk organza slip. The overall style is rectangular with a band at the dropped waistline and two pleated handkerchief panels draped off the front of each hip. The pleated handkerchief panels are super lightweight and floaty, come to a point and are edged in a fine band of gold lame.
The black silk chiffon dress is bedecked in French jet beading in different motifs on the top and bottom panels, which is accented by gold metallic chainstitch in an elongated hexagon motif on the top panel. The stitched and beaded decorations match on front and back. Beaded panels accentuate the neckline, waistband, shoulders and sleeve cuffs, while the beads on the skirt include arched bugle beads above seed beaded tassels, overall making a truly glamorous evening gown. This piece is in sturdy condition and is perfect for collectors of 1920s textiles and could also be worn by the vintage enthusiast to really stand out at a special event.
Please check the waist/hip, shoulder and arms eye measurements as these are the smallest points and there is little stretch in the beaded panels. The hem has been taken up in the past so could be let down an extra 2.5 inches.
Fits like modern size XS-S/M
Measurements (lying flat):
Shoulder to shoulder 42cm
Underarm to underarm 50.5cm
Drop Waist 46cm
Hips 47cm
Shoulder to hem 110cm
Hem width 56cm
Arms Eye 18cm
Sleeve length 24cm
Sleeve cuff width 16cm
Provenance: Sourced from USA
Condition:
Dress, Excellent – the beading and silk are in amazing condition and there appears to be no bead loss. The shoulders and underarms are undamaged.
Lining, Poor- The lining has significant damage to the underarms and several holes throughout the body. It has been handstitched. The lining has been left in place for collectors but an option could be to fully remove it and/or find a seamstress to remake it as a slip with sleeves will help to protect the upper dress from sweat damage.
