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Afternoon dress
La Samaritaine - Enlarge image
Afternoon dress
- Place of origin:
Paris, France (made)
- Date:
1929 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
La Samaritaine (retailer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Silk georgette, printed with a floral motif, hand and machine sewn
- Credit Line:
Given by Mrs M. Massey-Stewart
- Museum number:
T.171-1964
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This below-the-knee day dress made of printed silk chiffon is slightly gathered at a normal waistline on an elastic band. The skirt has a minutely pleated yoke that runs across the hips. There are two sets of fine pleats on the front of the skirt, which flares out slightly towards the knees. The printed pattern of waved bands of massed flower-heads is carefully disposed in all pieces of the dress. On the bodice, sleeves and skirt yoke the bands run diagonally, while on the skirt's bias-cut gores they run horizontally. The minute pin-tucks on the bodice, sleeves and skirt are hand sewn. This design is typical of the years following 1929, when flowing summer dresses in gossamer fabrics with floral prints were popular. Such delicate silks are extremely difficult to handle and sew, demanding a great deal of skill and patience.
