Daywear
Wedding Dress

Also referred to as a lingerie dress, this WWI-era dress was likely worn as either a late afternoon day dress or, based on the luxurious materials and off-white color, a wedding dress. The design is quintessential of this period in which the style and silhouette was mainly dictated by a wide-sashed waistline at the natural waist combined with looser flowing over-layers. Hemlines fell approximately to just above the ankle, getting slightly shorter as the second decade of the twentieth century approached.

Sketch and Garment Pairing: These sketches showcase styles from a similar time period to this circa 1915 day dress, displaying comparable silhouettes and lengths. The sketches show both an example of a similar dress and coats that may have been worn over this type of dress at the time.

Conservation Treatment: There were significant areas of loss, tearing, and brittleness to the shoulders and underarms, as well as the neckline. The skirt had substantial staining and there was evidence of bead loss. Although not a common practice, this silk dress was carefully wet cleaned to help brighten its appearance. Both shoulders were stabilized using beige silk crepeline and a combination of stitch and adhesive treatments. Other conservation treatments included repairing a split seam and reattaching snaps at the waist and shoulder closure.

Conservation treatment performed by Linsey Labson.