Edwardian Tea Gown Lace Trimmed Jacket
Made of raw silk this princess styled Edwardian tea dress is complete with a short matching Spencer style jacket. Both pieces have three quarter length sleeves and are trimmed with delicate Valenciennes lace. The dress is a masterpiece of dressmaking technique with artfully placed ruffles and rusching for added shaping across the hips, back waistline and shoulders. The jacket echoes the smaller pleated ruffles but is highlighted by wide pleats across the bust line. Both pieces are trimmed with pale blue silk ribbon that comprises the stand up collar trimmed in lace and outlines the neckline of the dress as well the collar and closures of the jacket. Dress closes in the back with hooks and eyes and is lined in natural cotton with full boning sewn in.
The overall condition of both pieces is very good to excellent. There is some age yellowing/darkening of the lace yoke of the bodice and the silk ribbon is beginning to show wear. There is no underarm staining, no rips, holes or repairs. I find only two small, dime sized brownish stains, one on the back of the skirt partially hidden by a ruffle and one on the back of the jacket on the pleat just right of the center. Neither spot is obtrusive and they do not detract at all from this elegant piece!
