Nightdress

Physical description

Nightdress consisting of a fine, sheer pink silk georgette bodice and a voluminous white chiffon skirt. The bodice is in the Empire line, with short squared off sleeves, V neck and trimmed with machine-made ecru lace insertion and flat pink satin ribbon bows.

Place of Origin

London, England (probably, made)

Date

1913 (made)

Artist/maker

Lucile, born 1863 - died 1935 (probably, designer)

Materials and Techniques

Silk georgette and chiffon, trimmed with machine lace insertion

Object history note

Said to have formed part of the trousseau of an unidentified lady "with luxurious tastes".

Descriptive line

Nightdress of silk georgette and chiffon, probably designed by Lucile and probably in London, 1913.

Exhibition History

Unveiled: 200 years of wedding glamour from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. (Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington 17/12/2011-22/04/2012)
The White Wedding Dress: 200 Years of Wedding Fashions (Bendigo Art Gallery 01/08/2011-06/11/2011)

Labels and date

Night-dress from a bride's trousseau
Probably by Lucile (1862-1935)
London or Paris
1913

Lucile (Lady Duff Gordon) was Britain's most successful couturiere in the early 20th century. She had fashion houses in London, Paris, New York and Chicago. Her designs were feminine and sensual. The craftsmanship and daring transparency of this night-dress are typical of her work.

V&A: T.1-1973 [2011]

Materials

Chiffon; Machine made lace; Georgette

Categories

Fashion; Marriage; Underwear; Women's clothes

Collection code

T&F