Spectacular 1920s Couture Swirling Gold & Cream Sequin Dress

This is an exquisite late 1920s, perhaps early 1930s sequin and net gown. The exterior of the dress is entirely covered with tightly spaced, hand applied sequins in cream and a gold. It is one of the most spectacular gowns from this period I have ever seen.The estate that it came out of was packed full of very high end and couture clothing. The original owner and her husband had strong ties to The Met Museum. I am almost reluctant to post this as I feel that it very well may be an early Haute Couture piece; Chanel or someone else of that era. It was entirely done by hand and despite its heavy covering of sequins, it is almost weightless. It is a true piece of art and a remarkable example of this time period. Rarely do you see dresses of this caliber from this time period anymore, especially when you consider that it is still string and wearable with care.

Sequin adorn every inch of its surface and each has been meticulously applied by hand. the hours put into this dress to do this is mind boggling. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did it would be at Haute Couture level pricing. The dress goes from a solid cream sequin at the top to gold swirls that go to full density on the lower skirting. The sequins cover the entire dress on both the front and back. The cut is very simple with wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. These suspended the dress as it falls in a sleek, slightly fitted  sheath, flaring out as it passes the waist and falls to the floor. The back is cut longer then the front for a slight trained effect and the back itself plunges to a low and sexy deep V. It is so well made that I suspect that you could easily wear the V at the front if you wished. The gold sequins are a rich muted tone with just the hint of an underlying green to the gold. I love how the sequins are set in curving patterns even in the solid colored portions. Normally you only see patterns made form rows. These curving sequin patterns would have added hours of planning and execution to the gown. It is a remarkable example of the fined hand work being done during this time period and is really a treasure. All the work is done by hand which you can clearly see on the back side of the fabric. Excellent, museum quality condition.

It is fully lined in a silk organza and slips on to wear with no closures. Hand finished and all the sequin work is hand done. There are a couple areas of sequins missing that I photoed. There are thousands up thousands of sequins and the small areas affected in no way detract. The lining is torn in places. with some repair work that loos older. I considered removing the lining altogether - it would be as stable without the lining as with - but have decided to leave it as found for the purists, and in case this in indeed an important designer couture piece as I suspect. At some point the hem was let down and there is a slight crease that circles the hem. I have left it at its full length. The edge is finished nicely so it works. So it is sent entirely original and as found. Carefully stored. For a piece that is almost 100 years old is it to be considered in outstanding, museum quality condition.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E637

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.