Tea gown

Physical description

Full-length pink silk damask tea-gown trimmed with ecru lace. The back of the gown features a long Watteau pleat falling from the rounded neckline into the folds of the skirt in the manner of an eighteenth century sack back gown. With a formal leaf and flower pattern. The sleeves are elbow length with a turn back cuff and an ecru lace frill. The edges of the gown, collar and cuff are trimmed with narrow guaged ribbon and rosettes. Lined with pink satin.

Place of Origin

Paris, France (made)

Date

ca. 1905 (made)

Artist/maker

Callot (designer)

Materials and Techniques

Silk damask, lace, lined with satin

Object history note

This teagown was worn by Miss Emilie Grigsby (1876-1964) who was a wealthy independent American who came to England from New York. She established a salon which was frequented by writers and the military. She was considered to be one of the great international beauties, with extremely pale, almost transparent skin and golden hair. She was frequently the subject of articles in the New York Times during the early 20th century. Her clothes were purchased from couturiers in London, Paris, and New York, and demonstrated an elegantly avant-garde approach to style.

Descriptive line

Silk damask tea-gown trimmed with lace, designed by Callot Soeurs, Paris, ca. 1905

Materials

Lace; Silk damask

Techniques

Damask weaving

Categories

Textiles; Fashion; Informal wear; Lace; Women's clothes

Production Type

Haute couture

Collection code

T&F