Materials and Making

The technique of beading is a striking and dramatic way to decorate fabric, and one which was particularly fashionable in the 1920's. Loose fitting simple dresses were the ideal medium on which to apply decoration as they had very few seams or attached trimmings to break up the pattern. Differently sized, shaped and coloured beads could be selected to give subtle variations in pattern, and they were then generally sewn onto light-weight silk crepes or georgettes for fluidity. They were also used to trim shawls, hats, bags, shoes, and a host of other accessories.

Here silver beads of different sizes, pink sequins and long mirror beads are combined on an evening ensemble to give a delicate textured decoration. Such dresses were worn for evening cocktail parties and dances, where the differing surfaces and mirrored effects would reflect the light and sparkle when the wearer moved. The layers of scallops on this dress's skirt all hang separately, enabling them to sway individually, seductively catching the light.

Full item descriptions:

"evening dress" [1947.4293]

Related Themes:

1920s Dance Dresses