This empire style dress is beautiful and unique because it comes from the transformation of a vintage raw linen nightgown from the first half of the last century.
A dress that will take you back to another era, but which will be very current at the same time.
It comes from a beautiful and perfectly preserved nightgown, I believe it came from a trunk belonging to a lady who must never have used it. It was probably part of a very well-stocked and well-kept trousseau from around 1930/1940 from France. The shirt was intact and very well made, sewn by hand.
The raw linen fabric is firm but not too much, with the right texture, soft, perfect for making a nice summer dress.
The sleeves and neckline feature a lovely handmade scallop. The neckline is adjustable thanks to a ribbon that can be knotted into a bow, allowing you to tighten or widen it, as you like.
On the front there are two delightful embroidered numbers, FD, those of the owner of the shirt. A delightful hand embroidered monogram.
The line is A-line and, as was typical of the time, the width was increased by adding fabric on the sides. I added a ribbon that I sewed under the bust, in order to reduce the width on the front and emphasize the neckline. The ribbon continues to the back so that it is tied into a bow. This addition allowed me to transform it into a beautiful empire style dress, enhancing the beauty of this shirt but without changing its line too much. It was necessary to reduce the width by adapting it to today's taste, which prefers less wide lines.
A beautiful dress for the summer, but also to be worn in the cooler season over a contrasting cotton shirt, perhaps with lively stripes, and over jeans or skirts. Layered clothing, original and to be invented.
Suitable for a small-medium size. Adjustable in width thanks to the ribbon. Worn by me who am 1.64 tall and wear a 42.
