#2739 $3,600 Reserved
Irish crochet lace wedding dress, c.1912
An antique wedding dress offers one-of-a-kind design without the high cost of couture. Since the eye can comprehend large Irish crochet motifs at a distance, their complexity and richness energize the design. In most other styles, complex design detracts from the aesthetic effect.
An Irish crochet design is assembled from individual motifs with the textural appeal of three dimensional raised work. Handmade Irish lace garments do not have unsightly seams. The shape of the garment is built in with the assembly of the separate motifs.
The simple style creates the ideal canvas to display the fine lace. The skirt is longer and fuller in back, forming a graceful train. The dress, which no longer has the original boned underpinnings, is comfortable for the contemporary bride to wear. It closes in back with tiny hooks.
The scalloped cap sleeves flutter like petals over the shoulders. The handmade Irish crochet lace flowers showcase the masterful technique, which you can appreciate when you zoom in on the individual motifs.
Irish crochet played an important role in fashion history. The European craft of crochet achieved an aesthetic pinnacle in Ireland, where crochet artists used 17th century Venetian needlepoint laces as inspiration. The quintessential Irish lace is Irish crochet, already famous in 1743 when the Royal Dublin Society awarded prizes for outstanding examples.
When you settle down after the wedding, you should safely store this heirloom quality dress so that it can be passed down to your children.
Imagine your walk down the aisle wearing this magnificent dress, "something old" for your wedding ensemble. Indeed, there inheres in the dress an uncommon beauty, both historic and classic, befitting the most important occasion in a bride's life.
The condition is excellent. The dress is clean and ready to wear. You just need to add a slip.
It measures: 36" bust, 25 1/2" waist, about 48" hip, and 61" from shoulder to front hem. The petersham, which was taken in, can be let out to make the waist up to 2" larger.
