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.
This is the 3/4 sleeved shirt that complemented the petticoat (sold in the shop). This one is also beautiful.
A shirt featuring trimmings and decorations in line with those of the petticoat it was paired with.
Under the armpit, Angiolina's two initials, AP, are embroidered in English cursive.
It features a square neckline and is edged with a scalloped edge and a trimming that includes the passage of a silk ribbon that you can insert if you want.
The same motif is found at the ends of the sleeves.
The front opening is lateral and closed with very beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons, the buttonholes are obviously hand-made and are arched, as was the custom at the time.
The shirt features sewn pleats on both the front and back that open at the bottom to increase the width, the same motif as on the sleeves, which therefore widen at the ends.
The width of the bodice at the armpits is approximately 50 cm.
The shirt is obviously pure cotton. It dates back to the late 1800s.
It has been carefully washed but I did not want to insist on some small stains that it has in some places, because it is a very old garment and must be respected and loved for what it is. These are not defects but small testimonies of the age that this garment has.
You can machine wash it on delicate cycle or hand wash, with mild soap. Hand wash is recommended to preserve the lace.
Air dry and do not spin dry.
