1908 Noir Sequinned Net and Silk Evening Gown
Origin: Likely American
Materials: silk, silk net, black sequins, polished cotton lining
Bust: 32.5"
Waist: 24"
Hips: 38"
Waist: 24"
Hips: 38"
Length: 62"
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: 15"
Sleeve Length: 12"
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: 15"
Sleeve Length: 12"
Condition: Fair
This is a spectacular example of Edwardian evening design, sadly with many flaws in the sequined net overskirt. Numerous holes and tears (some large, some small) make this garment unwearable, but this garment is restorable, with a little bit of effort.
Backing the net with conservator's nylon would stabilize the tears and the repairs would be practically invisible against the net, making for a wonderful presentation. This gown would then be wearable, with care (the chiffon ruffled layer would need similar backing). I would not recommend wearing it (upon restoration) in a large group, as someone is most certainly going to step on the long train and tear it, but for stratigic wear (a recital, demonstration, or something similar), this gown would then be ideal.
The polished cotton lining and integrated corset are sound, and the silk underskirt is intact. Sadly, the silk chiffon underskirt ruffles (another layer separate from the silk underskirt) have shattered in places and would also need the backing/stabilization of conservator's nylon).