1920s Blue and Russet Silk Crepe Day Dress

This elegant and original vintage 1920s day dress is cut from a beautifully made navy blue silk crepe and trimmed with vibrant russet red. Designed to look like a co-ordinated two-piece ensemble, the dress is couture made with mostly hand-sewn techniques. It presents many signature details of the era’s high-end clothing design; the sunray pleating across the bust front and rear of the top, the pretty trim and bow at the round neckline and the sash belt around the waist. The russet crepe detailing that features around the neckline and cuffs also sits on the reverse of the sash so that it can be seen as the sash cascades from the left hip. The pleated skirt kicks out as the wearer walks, adding a sporty feel to this highly wearable resort piece that would have been 'de riguour' for summer retreats in Biarritz and the Hamptons. Inside the top section is a rare surviving under-top crafted from white silk, with the navy and red short sleeves attached. This fastens across the bust with multiple hook-and-eye clasps. The pleated top layer sits over this under piece, fastening with snap closures at the left shoulder, and the navy and red short sleeves come out from the arm holes.

A very fine example of mid 1920s daywear, the condition is beyond anything that could reasonably be expected for a dress of its age. She displays beautifully and is worthy of collection for the design and level of preservation. The navy and russet crepes are superb with no fade, thinning or holes. The white mulberry silk interior is pretty good with just a small area on the left shoulder pulling away from the seam and the odd small split. It's frankly a miracle that the silk hasn't disintegrated but it is tissue thin. Whilst the dress could be worn with care as is, you might want to reinforce the underbodice (unseen) or remake it to preserve the dress further as the white silk will split further. You could also potentially add the sleeves to the body of the dress in due course and do away with the under-top. In keeping with the era, the design is a looser fit and if this is to be worn, we recommend no bigger than a UK size 8 or US 4.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)

WAIST - 31 in. (79 cm)

HIP - 54 in. (137 cm)

LENGTH - 39 in. (99 cm)