Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105674
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Description
This cream-colored two piece dress is an excellent example of period clothing, being ivory in color, with heavy lace overlays, a moderately high neckline, and the bodice's bib-like front panel. Both the blouse (bodice) and skirt are made from a combination of net, lace and embroidery.The underskirt is trimmed with a delicate lace ruffle. An underdress would have been worn under the see-through garment.
Popular during summer months, such dresses were referred to by several names such as lawn dresses, summer dresses, day dresses or simply called "whites." This white summer dress trend started at about the turn of the century, however, the tubular shape of the skirt dates this example after 1910, when the a reformed dress style influenced a more narrow silhouette.
Earlier examples of "whites" might include a modest train or an even higher neckline. This example - with no train and slightly lower neckline - is more on trend for the later years of the style, which remained popular through World War I.
About This Item
- Title: Lace two-piece summer dress, ca. 1914
- Creation Date: circa 1914
- Subject Date: circa 1914
- Location: USA
- Media: cotton, lace, mother of pearl
- Local Code: 1994.250.13.1
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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