#2590 $975 Reserved
Flapper beaded floral chiffon day dress, c.1926
This winsome floral chiffon confection is a reminder that the 1920s had conflicting style trends. Sophisticated, glamorous styles (actress Pola Negri as the vamp) as well as sweet, romantic dresses took their turn at center stage.
The dress is fashioned from filmy floral chiffon that floats over the body like an ethereal butterfly. The outlines of glass beads that accent the floral pattern convey an urbane stylishness rarely found in a day dress.
The attached pale peach lining is of silk chiffon on top and of silk crepe de chine below. The dress slips over the head with no closures. The blouson top and flared bias-cut skirt are attached to the straight cut lining at the neckline and hipline respectively. The long sleeves have snap closures at the wrist.
The subtle color palette of complementary pastels still shows the influence of Art Nouveau. What an artful choice: goldenrod, peach yellow, salmon pink, old lace white, and dark lilac. Nature herself would be envious!
Top designers today are taking another look at the Art Nouveau palette. A recent Badgley-Mischka couture line featured bird's-egg blue, soft pink, and other pastel hues from the heyday of Art Nouveau.
The condition is almost excellent. On the slip are a few pale stains, which do not show when the dress is worn. The shoulders have been reinforced to make the dress wearable. As my clients know, I generally do everything that can be done to present fine vintage clothing in its highest and best condition; or else I adjust the price accordingly.
It measures: 44" bust and waist, 46" hip, 16" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 23 1/2" sleeve length, 45" from shoulder to hem.
