#2338 $1,650 Reserved
Beaded cotton flapper dress, c.1926
The free spirited, fun loving mood of the flapper era is perfectly captured in this flirty beaded dress. The sunny marigold hue glows on even the dullest day. What a playful and pretty dress that reflects the unbounded optimism of the times!
As the 1926 hit song put it: "Blue skies smiling at me; nothing but blue skies do I see...Never saw the sun shining so bright; never saw things going so right."
The dress is fashioned from cotton voile totally covered with glass beads. Although the fabric is light, the dress is heavy due to the weight of the beads (yin and yang in construction). The skirt is longer and flared in back. The dress slips over the head with no closures.
The beading is fabulous! The dress is totally covered with a vermicelli pattern of clear crystal beads. The waist and hem are embellished with elaborate bands of rhinestones, silver ball beads, opaque white bugle beads, faux pearls, small silver beads, and silver sequins.
The skirt has circles of rhinestones and silver ball beads. The neckline and armholes are outlined with faux pearls and clear crystal beads. On the bodice (4th picture down), we can see the exotic and entrancing beading pattern. It creates a subtle tension between the heart-shaped central figure (yin) and the strong triangular boundary (yang).
The ancient Chinese concept of yin (female) and yang (male) comprehends the two opposing (and complementary) aspects of human behavior and natural phenomena. The concept recognizes the simultaneous duality and unity intrinsic in human nature.
Cotton beaded dresses from the 1920s are particular favorites of collectors who wish to wear their vintage treasures, as cotton is more durable than silk.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
It measures: 38" bust, 36" waist, 42" hip, and 38" from the shoulder to the front hem
(longer in back).
The dress, which was taken in by hand on the side seams with everything original still intact,
can be let out to measure 40" bust and 38" waist.
