Please excuse my absence this past week. I was in the museum today and decided to just take a breather and investigate the detail of a particular "tea dress". While this photo shows "Prudence" wearing the dress in the parlor, she's actually greeting guests in the dining room. (Don't ask, but I have named each mannequin in the museum...even the dismantled ones!) Taking time to really look at the detail in some of the textiles gives me a profound feeling of respect for the maker. The patience it must have taken to sew individual beads, sequin, and tiny hooks into each piece! This is a favorite of mine. A "tea dress" that could have well been an evening dress, in my opinion. I assume that it is the light-weight feel of the dress and the shorter sleeves that lends itself to a tea dress. The black net lace overlay, however, lends a darker and more formal air. Notice the waistline is "belted" with black sequin rosettes. The dress is a light sage, almost "minty green" silk...very light and flowing with a slight train in the back.
The accessories used are pearls. This really accents the formal look beautifully. The dress is turn of the century, probably more 1910's. The black velvet bow on the shoulder makes a sophisticated nod, as does the heavily sequined net lace overlay. I don't usually think of sequin being used in Victorian/Edwardian gowns, but we have a number of gowns that are beaded and sequined from this period! They're TINY...almost looks like glitter!
The sleeve shines under the black net lace overlay with even more sequin! There's also a fair amount of embroidery work done on the hems of the sleeves and on the net lace. A "cute" detail that's almost a bit casual...the tiny bows on the sleeves. It's a stunning "tea dress"/gown. No matter how it was worn, the look is definitely in the details!
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