#2301 $2,200
Floral lamé peignoir, early 20th century
Many lovers of vintage clothing were first drawn to collecting by the beauty of early textiles. A real antique metallic fabric, like this one, has a mellow patina that cannot be duplicated today. It is the tribute that time pays to beauty. This superb peignoir is a special find for the lover of textile art.
The gold lamé fabric of the peignoir, which has a faille weave, was warp printed before weaving to create the soft watered effect of the flowers. The rich burnished glow of the metallic cloth is artfully accented by the subtle pastels of the flowers.
Here is a wonderful Impressionism in costume art (2nd picture from the bottom). We sense how light, in its mutable qualities, illumines the red-purple and pink-yellow flowers. It is as if the same flower changes its hue as the light caresses the petals.
Claude Monet's great series of paintings, Water Lilies, is perhaps the final word on the subject. Nevertheless, the artistic achievement in the warp print used for the peignoir is undeniable.
The open neckline is framed with a deep collar of beige lace, some of which cascades down the front opening and trims the kimono-style sleeves (3rd picture down.)
The conscious exoticism, indeed Japonism (the cut as well as print subject matter) of the peignoir is quite entrancing. Beauty is so short lived because of time, both friend and enemy of mankind.
The petals of the yellow rose,—
Do they flutter down
At the sound of rushing water?
The peignoir ties loosely in front. The back skirt ends in an oval-shaped train.
The condition is almost excellent. I found a few small, pale stains that blend in with the fabric and do not spoil the appearance of the piece.
The peignoir is adjustable due to the open style. It measures approximately: 36" bust, 32" waist, 42" hip, and 58" from the shoulder to the front hem.
