1909 Ball or Evening Gown

I've made two versions of this elegant gown, both in pink silk satin, but one with gold rouleaux embroidery and lace, and the other with silver.   I still can't decide which I prefer!  

What drew me to this design initially was the unusual bias draped inverted "V" shaped panel at the front, and the metallic net bodice overlay, with its beautiful rouleaux applied trim.  I made and applied all of the silk rouleaux by hand with fine silk thread, a task that took many, many hours.  In the end, the gown was as close as I could manage to making an authentic replica of the 1909 French design (see photo of the 1909 fashion sketch).

​This gown was constructed precisely in the manner of formal evening gowns of the era, with a full boned foundation of silk taffeta and underskirt of China silk (see photos of inside construction).  

The version with silver embellishment is shown below (this was a bespoke order for a client).