Unreal early 1900s embroidered mesh and lace gown professionally restored and reworked in the Demetra studio. When acquired, this gown came with an incredibly charming story: it was found in the 1970s in an old cedar trunk that had been left on the street in New York City on heavy trash day, along with a few other whitework garments from the same era. By the time the dress came into our hands, it had clearly been altered multiple times since it was originally made. The center back had been cut raw to make it into a jacket, there were small holes throughout, and the waistband had been badly readjusted. Enter Demetra. We totally reworked this gown from the ground up, taking it apart in its entirety and putting it back together using expert couture and tailoring techniques to transform it into the quintessential antique bridal gown while still maintaining as much of the original design as possible. We closed up the back seam and added new (antique) closures at a freshly crafted placket, evenly reset the gathers in the waistband, repaired all damage and added some small bits of lace to hide and stabilize any small holes. Finally, we added the bell sleeves and hem flounce with period appropriate styling, made from antique cotton bobbinet we sourced specifically for this project and finished with a hand rolled hem, many many hours of careful work. One of the most in depth restorations we have done to date, this dress is now a masterpiece that transcends era and style. This special project has been given a Demetra hangtag to denote the extensive work done on this remarkable piece.

Excellent condition. Only note is a few small (less than 1/2 in) repairs in the mesh of the sleeves that get entirely lost in the drape. Presents as mint.

Measurements:

Wears beautifully oversized as shown. Material has some comfortable stretch.

Bust open up to 36-37 in

Waist 26-28 in

Hips open

Shoulder open 

Shoulder to waist 15.5 in

Armscye 9 in

Length 55.5 in

For reference, Maya measures 32/24/33 and is 5'5".