Edwardian whitework embroidered muslin day dress with applied decoration. English Circa 1918

An unstructured embroidered Indian muslin day (wedding?) dress dating from around 1914/18 the shape reflects that of the dropped waist style of the 20s. The dress is a loose tabard style, with a front off-centre opening with a pretty row of small mother of pearl buttons, which fasten with loop closures. It has extremely fine hand embroidery and drawn thread work which runs down the centre front and back and across the shoulder area.

The sleeves and hem of the dress have inserts of net with applied decorative spirals of muslin. The skirt of the dress is split up the sides almost to the waist, and it would have been worn over petticoat or slip. 

This is an excellent dress to study or reproduce as it has some interesting and unique design elements. 

The upper area of the dress has some historic mends on the front right hand side and on the shoulder area where the muslin has become fragile.

It is a good generous side and could be reworked or copied, or would look good on a hanger or a mannequin as part of a display.

Measurements taken whilst laying flat.

Across front: 57cm/54cm

Length of sleeve: 32cm 

Length nape of neck to hem: 128.5cm