#2374 $1,400 Reserved
Devoré velvet dolman evening wrap, c.1913-20
Many connoisseurs of vintage clothing were first drawn to collecting by the beauty of early textiles. The luxurious quality of the devoré velvet in the splendid wrap cannot be found in a contemporary garment. We can see why Mariano Fortuny called velvet "the aristocrat of stuffs."
The loosely structured cloak has design elements of both a cape and a coat. Our cloak encases the body in a soft cocoon of velvet textile art. The rich floral pattern combines purple and lilac velvet cut to a ground of lilac satin.
The brilliantly executed floral motif (2nd picture from the bottom) features the highly stylized, flowing, curvilinear forms characteristic of Art Nouveau. The neckline and faux sleeves are bordered with purple velvet ruffles. The cloak is lined with lilac charmeuse. This superb cape closes in front, at the waist, with one hook.
Although velvet was first made from silk in the Middle Ages, the devoré technique was invented in France only about 100 years ago. The process uses a chemical gel to dissolve ("devoré" in French) cellulose plant fiber to leave shadows of silk chiffon amid deep velvet pile. Devoré velvet became all the rage in the 1920s and is just now making a comeback.
The condition is excellent and wearable.
It measures: approximately 48" bust and waist, 50" hip, and 44" from the shoulder to the front hem (longer in back).
