EMBROIDERY Dress with matching EMBROIDERED Vest PHENOMENAL

This is a beautiful, satin stitched embroidered netting on silk satin crepe 1920's day dress with the matching vest both edged in Reticella needle lace. This elegant pairing is made from a pale yellow mercerized cotton floss, masterfully hand-embroidered with a large, padded 3-D motif of Japanese Iris' and chrysanthemums with elegant leaves, delicate daisies, groups of tiny knots and dangling scrolled cutouts with crossbars. This 20's dress fabric is just truly amazing to see the many hours, or probably even months of hand work that went into making such an elaborate, but deceptively simple gown! This outfit obviously was obviously very expensive at the time of making.

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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