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 perfect summer garment, it started out as a nightgown in beautiful linen and became a modern and romantic dress for going to the beach.
This dress is wonderful, it is a truly unique piece, worn as a cover-up, for example, when going to the beach resorts.
But it is also beautiful worn over wide linen trousers, with a belt at the waist.
The fabric it is made of is a beautiful loom-woven linen, truly wonderful and fresh.
The dress is open at the front up to the waist and the neckline and opening are edged with beautiful scalloping and delightful trimmings, which are also found on the cuffs.
The whole thing is completed by pleats held in place by the same trimmings which reduce the width of the bodice to open under the breast and give width to the dress.
On the bodice, near the buttoning, 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 easily wearable even today. A timeless garment.
In the photos you can see that I wear it simply completing it with accessories but you can decide how to wear it, it is also beautiful cinched at the waist with a belt.
The dress is obviously made of pure linen and hand embroidered. It dates back to the end of the 19th century.
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.
