This is a very fine handmade Edwardian to early 1910s cotton white cotton mousseline tea dress. It has wonderful design details; the bodice has a series of horizontal pin tuck pleats with exposed rectangular eyelets on the collar bone. These are further repeated on the elegant tapered sleeves. The high necked collar is delicately edged in cotton tulle and this is repeated on the cuffs. It has the most dainty, genuine pearlescent buttons on the cuffs and those that fasten the dress to the rear. The skirt element is a combination of Swiss dot and an elegant inverted arch design. The dress has an empire waist band and is a straight cut although the skirt is slightly flared.
This really is an extraordinary vintage condition. It has a Snow White hue, is freshly laundered and there are no holes or repairs. This versatile antique garment would make a sweet bridal dress or summer cover up and could easily be worn with a range of undergarments or layered with warmer garments in the winter. It will best fit for round a UK size 8 but particularly someone who is petite in stature and under 5'3". Our model is a UK 6-8 and 5ft 4in. (163cm) and this dress was slightly roomy on her. We placed a slip underneath this dress for some extra coverage.
MEASUREMENTS:
Bust - 31 in (79 cm)
Waist - 29 in (73.7 cm)
Hip - 40 in (101.6 cm)
Length - 40.5 in (102.9 cm)
Shoulders - 15.5 in (39.4 cm)