In my constant search for antique fabrics I sometimes come across real treasures, as in this case.
A trunk from an ancient villa that contained the personal trousseau of Angiolina, a noblewoman who lived at the end of the 19th century.
A real discovery, so many beautiful and perfectly preserved pieces, thanks to the fact that they were forgotten for over a century inside this trunk.
Precious garments that tell us about another era, other lives, industrious hands that embroidered and sewed.
And in their ancient nature, all garments are still wearable today.
In my opinion, this is a very wearable item of clothing in the summer, it is a slip dress that becomes a modern and very romantic sundress.
This undergarment is wonderful, it is a truly unique and rare garment, back then it was worn under other clothes, today it is wonderful on its own, worn over a bathing suit, for example, to go to the beach resorts.
It's a truly versatile piece that will make you look gorgeous on many occasions, at dinners on the beach, on a special evening...whenever you want to feel gorgeous.
The bodice is entirely embellished with a very fine and precious lace, which alternates with a trimming designed to pass through a silk ribbon that you can add if you want.
The lace and trimmings also form the two shoulder straps that are inserted into the bodice at the front thanks to buttons.
The whole thing is completed by pleats that reduce the width of the bodice to open under the breast and give width to the petticoat.
On the bodice, on the side, Angiolina's two initials, AP, are embroidered in English cursive, like all the items in her trousseau.
What can I say? Simply that it is wonderful and unique.
We can only imagine how much time and expertise it took to make it!
Wearing it you will feel beautiful. It is an ancient and precious garment but at the same time it is very wearable even today. A timeless garment.
In the photos you can see that I wear it with a belt but you can decide how to wear it, it is beautiful even on its own, worn with colorful but delicate accessories that complete it.
The dress is obviously made of pure cotton and hand embroidered. It dates back to the end of the 19th century.
The width of the bodice, at the height of the breast, is approximately 43 cm (total circumference of the bodice is 86 cm).
This item has also been carefully washed but I did not want to dwell on some small stains that it has in some places, because it is a very old item and must be respected and loved for what it is. These are not defects but small evidence of the age that this item has.
You can machine wash it on delicate cycle or hand wash, with mild soap. However, I recommend hand washing to preserve the lace longer.
Air dry it and do not spin.
