1912 Beaded Trained Evening Gown
Dating to circa 1912, this dazzling dinner or evening gown would have been worn by a woman of means. Fuchsia silk provides the perfect foil to the embroidered and beaded net of the overdress. The elaborate bodice features huge, three-dimensional silk flowers in addition to the beading and embroidery. Beaded fringe hangs from embroidered panels swaged gracefully over the shoulders as well as from the edge of the sleeves and hemline of the overskirt. The bodice is fully lined and closes with hooks and eyes in the back.
The back of the dress is trained and features black silk satin tails falling from the empire waistline to the train and terminating with beaded butterfly motifs above fringed trim. The embroidered motifs are of roses, buds and leaves that are accented with heavy beading and are all hand done. A smaller version of the three-dimensional flower on the bodice is repeated at the sides of the overskirt which fall open from that point to the hemline where it is trimmed with the beaded fringe.
Closure is in the back with hooks and eyes. Overall, the condition is excellent with no noted rips, holes or repairs. There is discoloration to the embroidered trim just above the fringed hemline. This does not detract and appears to have been caused by a loss of dye in the ribbon backing behind this area. It actually serves to add emphasis to the hemline and at first glance appears to have been planned. There is no fabric weakness or wear in this area caused by the dye loss. A spectacular gown!
