Nightdress of crêpe de chine trimmed with machine-made lace, possibly made in England or France, ca. 1922

Nightdress of pale pink crêpe de chine trimmed with machine-made lace. Full length, full and straight cut but widening slightly under the arm where it is gathered into a wide straight lace yoke which is extended to form a sleeve edging. Three sets of narrow matching satin ribbons are attached at each shoulder for tying and holding the garment up. Three narrow tucks trim the hem. Hand-stitched.

This 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.

T.186-1967