#6674 $1,250
Lewis/Philadelphia beaded velvet dress, c.1923
Beaded dresses from the early 20th century have a luxe beauty not found in contemporary copies. With a sophisticated black-on-black design, the stylish, ladylike dress sparkles just enough to stand out without being too showy.
The unlined dress is fashioned from black silk velvet. The dress has an inner petersham as well as a wrap-style skirt that closes on one side with snaps. The black beads appear almost iridescent, depending on the light, due to the faceted shapes.
The beading pattern artfully combines a variety of shapes and sizes in a highly textured design. The faceted black glass beads have the smooth rounded edges that can be found only in an antique.
The jet-black velvet serves as a background, or frame of reference, for the black beads in this absorbing study in black. In the 3rd picture down, we can see how the beads outline the delightful and inventive filigreed central design motif.
The fluid grace and elegance of the dress make a dramatic fashion statement. Men cannot help themselves: they are drawn to a woman who intimates the seductive sophistication of the evening. This is a dress for such a woman.
The "Lewis/Philadelphia" label is attached to the petersham.
The condition is excellent and wearable.
It measures: 38" bust, 32" waist, 40" hip, and 48" from the shoulder to the hem.
