Edwardian tea gown

From the seller: legant couture 1860’s Civil War Ball gown over coat in amazing condition. French Pastel cream watered silk fabric with pink Roses. Embellished with the best carved Mother of Pearl buttons, front and back. A sewing masterpiece with front and back rows of gorgeous ruching, and also on the sleeve armyces intense cartridge pleating. Aside from a few tiny hold to light pinholes and a little seam opening in the back it is in excellent condition. No stains, ripping, tears or real…

Purple was one of the most fashionable—and versatile—colors of the Victorian era.

Once the tea gown was wearable, I added a few extra bits and bobs. First, covered buttons. I bought several sizes, since I didn’t know which would look best on the finished gown, and ended up…

Dress reform of the 1870s brought the tea gown into fashion. Women could wear this comfortable dress at home without a corset while receiving close friends.

Tea gown of silk velvet, embroidered with coloured silks, England, 1895-1900

I gave you an extra few days for Rate the Dress, because last week’s was so late. And I’m still feeling very rushed and busy, so have picked a Rate the Dress that’s all about relaxing, albeit in the poshest way possible. Last Week: an 1860s fancy dress Last week’s Rate the dress was fancy in a different way to this weeks: fancy dress, rather than fancy, fancy. But what we could see of the trim and construction was also quite fancy: indicating a very well made, high quality item, for a client…

Tea Gown

Once the gown was structurally complete, I had to finish the edges. I first cut out a standing collar from turquoise dupioni– the original collar went all the way around to close at center fr…

Girolamo Giuseffi, Designer (American, 1864-1934), G. Giuseffi Ladies' Tailoring Company, Design House (American)