This is a really wonderful 1910s-era dress. The gown is a silk brocade in black printed with Japanese-inspired clouds. It has a high neckline with lovely little buttons running in two rows down to the bust. Around the bust, the dress has lovely and intricate black embroidery applique. The applique also runs up the sides as well and around the back where there are machine embroidered panels. In the front there is a fun apron/swag that falls just past the knees; it has two little gathered ruffles and is hemmed in delicate black lace. In the back, the dress has bustled swags that fall to each side down the back. The skirt is a slim-cut A-line silhouette and falls to the floor. The dress has long sleeves that are fuller overall with a faux button-up cuff and ruffley lacy trim in black and a cream bobinette to make it stand out on the dress. The cuffs do fasten with hooks and eyes so they can be more fitted to the wrist. The dress fastens up the back with hooks and eyes. During the life of the dress, someone added a panel of pleated silk faille with floral lace applique to add more room in the dress. It has very large brass hooks from its original use and they line up well with the dress’s hooks. The original hooks are also still there so it can be fastened up originally as well. It looks great but there might need to be a hook added at the waist to make it more secure and to prevent gaping. Ca. 1912

Condition:
The dress is in great overall condition with one small tear on the sleeve near the shoulder. This is the only small flaw on the dress. The dress does have some history that can be very faintly seen with sewing marks, which are the easiest to see when held up to the light. These marks indicate the dress has been altered or transformed into what the dress is today. The dress is really stunning and is still wearable with care and a fun piece of history for any collection.

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage seller in Pittsburgh, Pa.