Burnt Sugar

Black velvet evening coat with beaded ornamentation, designed by the couture House of Worth in Paris, c. 1912. It was worn by Ethel Sanford (1873-1924), wife of carpet industrialist, John Sanford of Amsterdam, NY and daughter of diplomat and businessman, Henry Shelton Sanford of Sanford, FL.

This evening coat was donated to the museum by Ethel’s daughter, Gertrude Sanford Legendre. The Charleston Museum has been so very fortunate to receive many exquisite garments and accessories from Mrs. Legendre’s family collection. For more information on Gertrude Legendre, please visit this previous Textile Tuesday posting.

This piece is currently on exhibit in Coat Check. Come see it in person; the photos do not begin to do this elegant garment justice!

Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter fancy dress, 1906, Masquerades, Tableaux and Drills (Butterick)

Spring: Gown of daffodil silk embroidered in white.  Full front of white China silk.  Elbow sleeves decorated with roses; wears a wreath of same flowers.  Large butterfly on corsage.

Summer: Frock of flowered organdy, trimmed with borders of small sprays of natural flowers.  Large straw hat tied under the chin.  Carries a basket of flowers.

Autumn: Skirt of white serge, border of grapes and leaves.  Skirt-yoke and bodice of leaves; sleeves and drapery of white chiffon.  White hat.  Carries sickle on a chain and wheat in the hand.

Winter: Gown of figured white mohair trimmed with bands and balls of swan’s down.  White tucked-silk tucker and cord frogs.  Carries a fur muff.  Skates may also be carried.