Costume Enthusiast 👗

Too many details to go over on this 1912-1913 dress! This would’ve likely been worn during the day. It is similar to many dresses seen modeled at Longchamps.

More on that cerise pink 1910s evening gown! The floral work you see is actually made of ribbon that has been shot through the fine black net! Just incredible craftsmanship!

A new dress I just got all the way from England!

This is an evening gown from ca. 1911-1912, made of cerise pink satin dress with over layers of beaded and embroidered net. There are two bunches of pink rosettes on each side.

A little bit of a change up for this page. We’re moving into the late 1950s with this beautiful Ceil Chapman dress. It is featured in the February 1st, 1958 issue of Vogue magazine in a full page ad. It is modeled by Anne St. Marie.

My newest 1910s evening gown that just flew in from France.

This gown dates to ca. 1911-1912 and is made of soft blue silk with an overlay of blue chiffon that is heavily trimmed with lace. It flows down into a beautiful train in the back. The bodice is covered with metallic lace that features an insect motif. There are several layers of chiffon and lace over matching chiffon sleeves. Other details include a blue silk bow and a long flowing chiffon scarf in the back that billows with just the slightest movement, it can also be draped over the arm, which was quite a popular look at the time.

The label inside reads,

“Mon Albrecht, 190. Rue Nationale. Lille”

A new Edwardian hat I just got from France.

This is a large hat from ca. 1910-1912. It is made of natural and black colored straw braid. There is a large statement bow made of red velvet and green silk. Stitched onto this bow are two wonderful steel cut buckles with rhinestones. The most amazing aspect of this hat is the large exotic taxidermied bird with bird of paradise plumes.

My newest acquisition which came all the way from England. This is an evening gown from ca. 1910-1912. It is made of a silver colored silk under dress with a dust ruffle on the hem. Over this is a pleated black silk overdress with a hem of beautiful black lace that has webbed motifs. The bodice is covered in more of this lace with steel cut beaded trim and black beaded fringe on the sleeves! There is a pleated black satin waist band with very heavy steel cut buckles on the front and the back!

My newest *antique* Edwardian hat purchase! This one just came to me a couple of days ago from a little vintage market in France.

This is a magnificent picture hat from ca. 1909-1910, when hats were at their biggest! This hat is 20 inches wide! It is made of tightly woven straw braid with black velvet underneath the brim, and is trimmed with sixteen large handmade millinery carnations in differing colors. I’m dying!!! There are several large wired bows made of dotted tulle. It also has a Paris label sewn inside! It reads,

“Mme. Large Modes, 10 Rue de Hanovre, Paris-Opera.”

Had to throw together a quick display to properly show my newest antique Edwardian hat!

This is a large hat from ca. 1910-1912. It is made of tightly woven Milan straw braid with an upturned brim. It has black velvet ribbon around the crown, along the back, and on underside of the brim. The best part is the abundance of lovely handmade silk flowers and foliage!

Updated post with better pics.

This is a beautiful dinner gown or “robe de diner,” which is made of white silk, black silk, delicate black chiffon, and wonderful floral lace! It is a very long gown with a pointed train. Pointed trains were very popular in 1913.

This fabulous frock was specially designed for a “Mme. Clavier,” as noted on the little piece of paper still sewn onto the petersham belt inside the bodice. Next to this paper is the woven label which reads,

New 1910s evening gown added to my collection!

This is a blue silk “robe du soir,” from ca. 1912. This is what you would have seen worn aboard the Titanic!

It is full length with a long train in the back! There is colorful lamé lined embroidery and beautiful lace sleeves, but the part that I love the most is the DRAPED SKIRT!!! Look at the draping!! It’s just wonderful. It’s expertly sewn too and has boning inside the bodice.

I’m so pleased to now have two shining examples of vintage Diane Von Furstenberg in my collection! These are pieces from her 1970s collections. The snake pantsuit seen on the right is from her first collection debut in 1974. She wore that exact print to her first New York fashion show the same year!

**UPDATED PICS**

Ca. 1954 evening gown by Pierre Balmain, new to the collection.

This one arrived all the way from France!

Evening gown from ca. 1911-1912.

A bit of an unusual piece I just recently added to my collection.

This is an original two piece wrap set by Diane Von Furstenberg from ca. 1974-1975.