Ca. 1913 Tea Gown

This is a marvelous original 1913 tea gown or afternoon dress. My model posed in it for me while we were having tea in the Ritz-Carlton's sumptuous tea room! This dress features the overskirts that became so popular in the early 'teens and has wonderful sleeves with cuffs matching the collar. Flowered pink silk was used for the entire dress, and it is impossible to describe its elegant look and feel. The details on this piece are fabulous, from the triangular panels in the bodice front and back to the piping trimming all the edges to the hand-tied French knots that decorate the sleeves.