Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Edwardian Mourning Dress


Wouldn't you just die (not literally!) to wear a dress like this? It is in the collection of The Victoria & Albert, dates from 1910-1912 and was worn by a Miss Heather Firbank. From the V&A's description:

The house of Lucile was renowned for its asymmetrical styles, of which this matte black silk crepe dinner dress is a perfect example. Set into a high waist, the bias-cut skirt is softly swathed over the left hip and the hem is extended into a triangular train. The cross-over bodice has a plunging V neck fitted with a machine-made black lace, while bands of cream and black silk decorate the neck and cuffs.
This is from the collection of Heather Firbank (1888-1954), daughter of the MP Sir Thomas Firbank and sister of the novelist Ronald Firbank. The dress is a half-mourning dress, meaning that it was worn in the later stages of mourning. Mourning etiquette was well controlled and what could be worn at each stage was rigidly prescribed.

1 comment:

  1. Such a wonderful dress! I would die literally, sure! Thanks for share, honey!

    ♥ Helena Drive

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