Monday, April 19, 2010

What has this dress seen?

I am fascinated by this beautifully crafted dress. I'm pretty sure it's the oldest garment I've laid my hands on.
I can't help but imagine what this dress has been through in it's hundred plus years. In my eyes it is a work of art. It is coming apart in places and has been altered to fit more than one person. Maybe it was worn by a couple women in the same family. 
After putting it on my dress form i started noticing interesting little things about it.


At some point someone relocated or added hook and eye tape. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the original buttons still remained! I went ahead and removed the hook and eye tape and any loose threads I could find.

I am extremely intrigued by this dress, and am trying to find out as much about these types of dresses, as I can. If you have any ifo, please share! 
I believe it's Victorian and at least 100 years old. I want to know if you agree or disagree with my feelings about it.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great dress! I agree, it is a work of art!

thestoryofkat said...

it is amazing! like a vintage doile as clothing with all that embroidery and crocheted lace. my gut also says victorian but it could be even earlier...maybe late 1800's? i worked in an antique shop for several years and never saw a piece where the lace was used in place of seams to such a degree.

Martha said...

It's really beautiful, what a treasure!

K M said...

I wish we could see it as it was when brand-new...I suppose we'll just have to use our imaginations :) Great post!

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