1915-1916 Light Green Taffeta Dress

Description

The dress features an empire waistline and a double handkerchief hem with points at center front and center back. The bodice is constructed of three layers - (1) a main silk tulle layer that lays as the foundation of the bodice to which the top two layers are attached, (2) a middle layer which is a fuller tulle bodice that is gathered to add interest and volume to a mid-length surplice neckline (front same as back) and, (3) the top layer of mint green silk taffeta with a deep plunge V-neck (front and back), which attaches along the waistband and at the shoulders. The shoulders are decorated with two knotted bows, one on each side, which are repeated at the center front and center back waist. The sleeves are elbow length and are made of two layers of silk tulle, one an under layer and the other sewn 2 inches above the hem to create a puff style. The sleeve is attached to the tulle layer of the bodice and is trimmed in a double bow of black velvet ribbon and pink silk flowers. The waistband is a gathered 2 inch wide band with piping/cording top and bottom. Below the waistband is a small peplum with an angled hem (2 inches at center to 6.5 inches at the side seams). The peplum is overlapped at center front and center back and is open at the side seams. The underskirt is made of silk tulle and has a 4 inch wide grosgrain ribbon (waist stay) at the natural waist that supports the weight of the dress. The bottom of the skirt has two 13 inch long embroidered tulle ruffles with scalloped hems which are attached in layers. The first layer of silk skirt is attached to the waistband and falls below the knee at the center front. The next layer of silk skirt is attached to the tulle underskirt with a ribbon underlay to add stability and strength. The dress closes at center back in two layers. The under layer of tulle is closed with 14 hook and eyes; the grosgrain waist stay is a part of this layer. The top layer of gathered tulle closes separately at the waist of the dress by crossing over and fastening with one hook and eye on each side. The mint green silk bodice closes under the knotted bow at center back with two snaps. Peplum is left to overlap freely and hides the top of the skirt closure, which fastens with 6 snaps in an 11 inch long placket.