Monday, November 09, 2009

Built to Last

Good foundations are a vital first step....

Structural support to provide stability...

With additional supports and trusses, just to be on the safe side.

Cavity wall insulation for comfort, along with fully functioning amenities...

Decorative brickwork patterns for a pleasing design...

Quality materials in generous quantity for a long lifespan.

Additional extensions of good proportions and well integrated.

High spec finish...

And not forgetting those finishing touches for a well presented exterior.

Built to last, to be enjoyed by future generations.

Compact and bijou; suitable for a petite lady with no more than a 22" waist!

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I have been studying this beautiful dress that I found on a recent buying trip and am astounded by the workmanship, both inside it and out. It was probably designed as a theatre costume, possibly back in the 1930's or 40's. The fitted bodice is made from the softest silk velvet of a rich mauve and has been hand beaded with tiny silver glass beads, front and back. The boned structure inside would have been made-to-measure for a very tiny lady indeed. But I think she must have been quite a strong lady, as the dress is really quite heavy and would have taken some effort to wear.

The beautiful circular skirt is made from fine chiffon/crepe in a paler purple shade. It is fully lined in a soft peach taffeta, with the extra flounces and drapes also lined in peach, which creates the stunningly fluid silhouette. I would love to have known of its past; where it may have been worn and by whom...its a little damaged and soiled, but the careful craftsmanship of its maker at least means it has survived the decades relatively intact.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look,
Niki x

18 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! This is awesome! Love that purple shade, and the millinery roses too. I love wearing chiffon skirts, they make me look sooo slim!!;))) Definitely, I will wear it!
    Monicax.

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  2. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. Can you believe the hours, days, weeks it must have taken to make this piece? Great post Niki! Thank you for sharing this wonderful garment with us. xxVicki

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  3. Anonymous4:02 pm

    Gorgeous dress! I could never fit into that.

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  4. I always find it soul destroying when we go looking for costumes at the local theatre, they are on average a size 8, tiny tiny and lovely lovely costumes that often wont fit my girls...but actresses are expected to be very slim. That is such a lovely dress...what are you going to do with it?

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  5. What a dress, fantastic. I really enjoyed.
    Annette

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  6. What a fabulous dress, Niki. You've done it again!!

    Sx

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  7. Good morning Niki, this dress is for sure something you know about... such a wonderful treasure you have found!!!
    Have a great week.
    María Cecilia

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  8. What a fabulous dress. I wonder who wore it and which characters have been played in it? xx

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  9. An absolutely stunningly beautiful costume. I adore period dress - the zip might give some accurate time scale when made, unless of course it had been added at a later date. A lovely find best wishes betty countryrosecorner x

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  10. Would be lovely to know the history of that beautiful dress.You have presenred it to us in such a charming way!

    Bellaboo

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  11. ooops!...meant...presented,sorry.
    Bellaboo

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  12. Those are the kind of dresses that make you want to live in an old movie (or old stage production, as the case may be!). The details are just so amazing and feminine. Those velvet roses in particular...sigh.

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  13. that is stunning! Lizzie x

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  14. Anonymous10:14 am

    Wonderful example, what a beauty! I do love the roses, they add just that bit of extra something special....

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  15. I know it's a different color scheme, but all I can think of is Snow White's gown when I see your gorgeous dress!

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  16. I also adore seeking out the construction of garments, especially vintage/antique pieces. This is a real beauty. I stumbled upon your blog quite by accident, I adore stone homes so that is what drew me to your blog. I will drop by often. Sea Witch

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  17. Gorgeous & scrumptious, I wish I could do glam,but its jeans for me!
    Tracey

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  18. Holy cow! it's fabulous Niki! What amazing workmanship, I can't get over it!!!

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx