This incredible antique Edwardian two-piece dress was made in the early 19th century, and it is a stunning, museum-worthy (and museum quality) work of art. These Victorian/Edwardian era dresses are commonly mis-referred to as tea dresses or tea gowns, but they were actually known as "lingerie dresses." With this piece you are getting two pieces in one, which were meant to be worn together with the skirt layered under, but in reality can be mixed and matched countless ways, worn together or separately. This is very rare, because it's not easy to find an antique dress in this short of a length. This would be such a beautiful "Something Old" for a bride! The details on this dress are breathtaking, and to think most of them were done by hand is really astounding. The dress is made of a soft ivory cotton voile, with Val lace panels creating an upper yoke at the mock-neck bodice. Below that yoke, the bodice is gathered, to create the full-bust shape that is very typical in Edwardian fashion. Schiffli broderie anglaise cutwork and floral embroidery are featured throughout. Pintucks in the skirt create a mostly straight, column shape. I love how the hem of the actual dress is perfectly mirrored in the underskirt's hem, with scalloped hems. This dress is in remarkably beautiful condition considering its age; it's only becoming harder to find these rare antique dresses in wearable condition. It's especially hard to find them in a size that is not completely tiny, and this dress is able to fit a more inclusive range of sizes.
Measurements: Will best fit a size Small/Medium; it is shown unpinned on a size X-Small.
Dress:
Shoulders: 15.75"
Chest: about 40" laid flat, with extra room because of the shape (Note that the armholes are dropped which is meant to achieve that Edwardian "pigeon-breast" shape, but also offers some flexibility. It is NOT meant to be tightly fitted.)
Waist: 28.5"
Hips are open
Length: about 40" from shoulder to hem; about 14" shoulder to top of waistband is
Skirt:
Waist: 29"
Hips: open up to about 46"
Length: 43" (NOTE: it would be easy to hem the skirt even with the scalloped edge, as the bottom half is a separate panel so the length could come from the top of that panel to make it shorter)
* both pieces worn together would be about 57" from shoulder to hem;
Great antique condition. This dress is in remarkably wonderful condition, especially considering it is over 120 years old. It's only becoming harder to find these rare antique dresses in wearable condition. But note that it is not perfect and there is some minor wear to the fabric in places, including minor run in the skirt's fabric. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email shop@verybreezy.com for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.
