Ethereal Edwardian silk evening gown -- Wearable size! Replica of a 1909 French design in heavenly pink satin Start Price CAD 650.00 Current Price CAD 650.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, July 04, 2008 End Time Monday, July 14, 2008 Location Victoria, BC See more about 'Ethereal Edwardian silk evening gown -- Wearable size!' Description Replica of 1909 French evening gown in pastel pink silk satin with metallic gold bodice Ah! Do we need to say much about this gown that the photos don’t say?  Before you read the description, scroll down and see all 22 photos (don’t forget to click to enlarge and see the details).  We’ve included photographs of the gown “inside-out” on the mannequin to show the complex interior construction, as well as photos of the original French sketch of 1909 on which this gown was based.    Refined and delicate as a rose petal, this exquisite evening gown in pearl-pink 100% silk satin was developed from a design that appeared originally in a 1909 French fashion publication, and made in the colours and fabrics originally described for the 1909 gown. This is another one of our exclusive ‘Edwardian Rose Couture Historique’ reproductions, created using authentic garment construction techniques of the Edwardian period and with couture finishing, but in a modern, wearable size.  An elegant, flowing gown with stunning metallic gold embellishment that will make any formal occasion extraordinary!    Detailed Description: The outer gown is made of pure silk satin in softest pastel pink, with intricate embellishment in metallic gold forming a bolero-like outer bodice.  Combining pink and gold was a favourite theme of Edwardian designers, especially for fashionable evening wear, and this gown is made exactly in the colours and materials described in the original 1909 French text.  The style is the figure-flattering Empire (high-waisted) silhouette of the period, with the skirt fitting fairly closely above hip level and falling into a sweeping, elegant train at the back.    Like most formal Edwardian gowns, this garment is “mounted” layer by layer on a boned, corset-like foundation, in this case made of ivory-coloured pure silk taffeta with silk satin binding on the edges, closing at the centre back with myriad hooks and eyes. Over this is a pink satin bodice, also closing at centre back over the corselet by means of hooks and eyes.    The outer “layer” is formed by a bolero-like overbodice constructed of metallic gold net and gold guipure lace, gold soutache, and pink satin rouleaux applied in a swirling Art Nouveau pattern based on the original 1909 sketch, spangled with crystalline beads and natural baroque pink pearls, altogether forming an effect of beautiful dimensional embellishment against the smooth satin of the gown.  The neckline of the slightly décolleté bodice is completed, just as in the 1909 French design, with a “guimpe” or filler of gathered silk chiffon in a soft white, edged at the top with sparkling opalescent faux crystals.    The sleeves, falling just above the elbows, are of pink silk satin with an oversleeve of gold net and gold lace edged in pink satin rouleaux, repeating the embellishment of the overbodice. The sleeves are lined in white silk and fall over the silk taffeta undersleeves of the foundation.   The skirt of the gown is constructed of the pink silk satin, and underlined in couture fashion with fine white cotton to give it weight, strength, and a beautiful drape. A gracefully gathered “V”-shaped panel forms the centre front of the skirt, and the skirt is completed by a swirling Edwardian train at the back, falling into a soft pool of pink satin at the hem that reflects the light in pastel shades of pink and off-white.  Underneath the silk satin skirt is a lightweight 100% silk underskirt, finished with a decorative pleated silk dust ruffle at the hem. Both skirt and underskirt close at centre back with hooks and eyes and/or snaps.    This gown, as lovely as it is on the mannequin with its luxurious layers of silk, will be dazzling when worn.    Condition:  Brand new, never worn, no condition issues.   Size: Made to fit a modern medium size, for a woman of about 5’5” to 5’6” (without shoes).  It would be relatively simple for someone with basic dressmaking skills to turn the front portion of the hem up or down – there is a deep hem on the skirt and the underlining.  Although the gown was intended to be worn over a corset and petticoat, it can certainly be worn over a modern full slip or camisole.  Detailed size information is given below – please check carefully!    Almost 60 hours of construction time went into this replica, including a great deal of meticulous hand-finishing and hand-embellishment.  We doubt you will find a reproduction garment of this quality anywhere on eBay.  This is an antique design brought back to life, an historically accurate copy of the original gown, except that you can enjoy wearing it without any worries about damaging fragile antique textiles.  The fabric in this gown is new and strong and it can be professionally dry-cleaned, although we recommend using a drycleaner who specializes in wedding or formal gowns.   Another common problem with antique garments is that they often have a very small back width that can make them difficult to fit a modern figure -- this gown however is designed to accommodate the standard measurements for a modern woman of medium height.  Please note: the mannequin is draped with light beige-coloured fabric to protect the gown during photographing -- this is not part of the gown.    This would be a stunning, unique gown to wear to a formal evening or black tie event – the history behind it would be sure to make it a conversation piece!  Or you could wear it as an alternative to a traditional white wedding gown.  I can also imagine this worn as a show-stoppingly gorgeous "red-carpet" gown.  Of course it would display beautifully, although frankly I can’t imagine wanting to just look at this and not wear it!     A faithful replica of a supremely elegant Edwardian evening gown! Further details:  The fortunate buyer will receive the gown packed with care in a sturdy box, along with a couturier’s portfolio including a print of the original French sketch and full care instructions, a supply of acid-free archival tissue paper for storage, and samples of the fabric used in the gown for future repair or alteration needs.   The shipping estimates quoted below reflect the weight of the gown, the size of the box needed to protect it, and the premium shipping service needed to ensure delivery of this valuable garment.  To avoid any possibility of damage to this gown, we cannot combine shipping of other items in the same box.    One little point to note:  Be aware that this is an authentically-made Edwardian formal gown, with all of its complex hook and eye closures at the back, and that you’ll need a second pair of hands to help you don the gown – exactly as Edwardian ladies did.     SIZING: If you are 5’5” to 5’6” tall and wear this gown with 2” heels, it will be the correct length for you (similarly, if you are 5’7” to 5’8” and wear flats it will be just right). In other words, the total height of the wearer plus any shoes should not be more than 5’8”.  However, the gown is finished with a soft couturier hem that can be let down or taken up -- there is room to lengthen by about 1” if necessary.    ************** If you wish to bid on this gown, please carefully check all of the following measurements against your own, as we have tried to give the sizing for this gown as accurately as possible!   Length of skirt at centre front from natural waistline:  116.5 cm (45-3/4 inches) Length of skirt at centre back from natural waistline:   135 cm  (53 inches) Bust (at fullest part, measured over undergarments):   Will fit 91-94cm (36 to 37 inches) Waist (at natural waistline, measured over undergarments):  Will fit 71-74cm (28 to 29 inches) (IMPORTANT NOTE: As the interior silk corset foundation of this gown fits snugly, measure your bust and waist overtop of the undergarments – bra or corset plus slip or camisole, etc.) -- that you intend to wear with this gown, and be sure they do not exceed the measurements notes above) Hip - fits somewhat loosely: (Measured 18cm / 7 inches below waist) Will fit: 96-104cm (38 to 41") Measurement across back measured from natural shoulder point at each side:       Will fit 39-42cm (15-1/2  to 16-1/2") There is a bit of flexibility - perhaps 0.6cm (1/4") each way of these measurements) Measurement around upper arm at underarm (maximum): 30.5cm (12 inches) Measurement around upper arm at mid-arm (maximum): 25cm (10 inches Measurement from nape of neck to natural waist at centre of back:      Will fit 38-41cm  (15-16") (this is fairly flexible, as gown is empire-waisted) Length of arm from shoulder: (not critical, as sleeves are elbow-length).  Sleeve front edge is about 20cm (8 inches);(back of sleeve is about 3" longer than front).  Overall the fit is probably best for a young woman of fairly slender, but not thin, proportions. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email us.  See our store for more beautiful replica gowns and antique patterns!   We can only accept Paypal for this item, to a 'Confirmed' address. This protects both you, as Buyer, and our responsibilities as Seller.  If you are unsure what a Paypal "confirmed" address is, please check Paypal.com for information.  ***CANADIAN BUYERS*** Please add 5% GST.  British Columbia residents also please add 7% PST. WINNING BIDDER:  Contact by email is expected within 3 days of close of auction or purchase.  Payment by Paypal is expected within 5 days.  For Paypal eCheck payments for items over $200 US, we hold the item until eCheck clears (usually about 5 days).    NOTE: We will send you a personalized invoice as soon as you contact us.  Please wait for our invoice, as we need to verify the shipping for you (depends upon your location).  Ensure your mailing address is up to date on eBay, as this will be the address used for your packing label.  IMPORTANT !  If you are waiting for an invoice or other communication from us and haven't received it, check your Spam and Junk email boxes; some email systems filter out emails with eBay subject lines.  LAYAWAY: Can't quite afford the whole price right away?  For items over $300.00, we will accept a non-refundable 50% deposit upon close of auction/sale, and the balance 30 days after close (Paypal payments only).  Kindly advise us that you would like to arrange layaway as soon as the auction or purchase has closed.  Item(s) will be held until layaway payments are completed. Shipping quotes in this listing are estimates only.  PLEASE - contact us for an exact amount, or use "Request Total from Seller" once you have completed your purchase(s).  We need to know your location to give you a precise shipping cost.  Winning bidder/buyer is responsible for all shipping costs, including any additional insurance and customs/duties that may be levied.  We are located in Canada.  U.S. and International buyers, PLEASE REMEMBER customs delays are common -- it can sometimes take 2 or 3 weeks for parcels to arrive.  We pack and ship items promptly, but once they are out of our hands, we cannot control what U.S. Customs or international carriers do.  Allow for this when bidding, and please, we ask that you not penalize us in your feedback if an item takes longer to receive than expected.  However, if you have not received your parcel within 3 weeks, email us and we will happy to trace it for you.     We usually ship within 48 hours of your payment being processed. We do our best to accommodate special requests -- let us know if you are in a rush to get your item. We always send a shipping confirmation email.    For this item, we can only ship via a trackable service with insurance and confirmation of delivery.  We use Canada Post/eBay automated shipping, which saves you an additional 8% on the usual Expresspost shipping charges (9% for U.S. & International), and we do NOT charge handling fees.  We can also ship Expedited Parcel (somewhat slower surface service, trackable and insured).  Both include $100.00 in insurance for loss or theft.  To protect your purchase, we require that you purchase adequate insurance for this item - rates are very reasonable, about $1.10 US per $100 above the basic $100 coverage. We can arrange Purolator shipment if required, although it is expensive -- please ask for a quote.  Please understand that we must declare the actual value that this item was sold for on all out of Canada Customs forms in order to validate the insurance coverage.  For Great Britain, Europe and Australia, please contact us for shipping quotes before bidding.    To avoid the possibility of damaging this valuable article while in transit, we cannot combine shipping of any other item with this garment.  WE URGE YOU TO READ EVERYTHING BELOW BEFORE BIDDING - BY BEING PRECISE WE HOPE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH, PLEASANT TRANSACTION FOR ALL.   And please -- ask any questions before you bid, we're happy to answer. It should go without saying, but please do not bid if you know you do not intend to follow through with the purchase or if you cannot make contact within 3 days of auction's end. If you anticipate a delay (life does happen!) or have an honest problem in paying within the times specified, email us -- we always prefer to sort out a problem in a businesslike way. However if after 7 days we have not received payment or you have not contacted us or responded to our email(s), we will file a non-paying bidder alert, the item will be relisted, and appropriate feedback will be left.  Bidders with fewer than 5 feedback points must pay with Paypal and must please email us before bidding so that we can be sure you understand the eBay process and are set up with Paypal.   Otherwise we reserve the right to cancel your bid.  We want to be fair to new eBayers, but non-payers are sadly becoming a problem on eBay.  Accordingly we will be blocking bidders with feedback scores of -1 or less, bidders with 2 Unpaid Item strikes in the past 30 days, and multiple bids by bidders with a feedback score of 5 or less.  RETURNS: Returns are accepted only if the item is significantly different than as described, as long as you email us before you send the item back and the item is shipped out to us, by insured postal express service within 3 days of your receiving it, in the same condition as sent to you.  We will refund your purchase price, but you are responsible for all return shipping charges or other charges related to returning the item.  To avoid disappointment and the cost of return shipping, please read the item description thoroughly (especially where garment sizes are concerned), and ask any questions before bidding. We try to describe colours as accurately as possible, but computer monitors do vary in the way colour is displayed.  If a specific colour is important to you, email us - we have a method for matching colour to a standard, but it may take a day or two to confirm. Thank you for taking the time to read this information, and happy eBay-ing!   Click on our "Store Pages" for more details about Edwardian Rose designs.  All items come from a non-smoking environment.  We strive to fully and accurately describe every item and guarantee you will receive the item pictured.  We will pack your purchase with care.  We want your transaction with us to be smooth, pleasant, and completely satisfactory!    We will be constantly expanding our eBay store items, so be sure to keep checking back... Add us to your "Favourites" or subscribe to our store newsletter so you don't miss any of our upcoming items!     Feel free to email us -- we can usually respond within 24 hours.     We are located on the west coast of Canada (Pacific Time Zone), so there may sometimes be a communications lag, especially if you email us from the east coast or internationally.  We value communications from our buyers, and do our best to reply to all emails as quickly as we can.   If you have an important question about an auction item, send it to us enough in advance of the close of the auction so that we are able to respond in time.  Certain images/photos incorporated into this template are the property of JupiterImages & Floralpatterns, used with permission under license. Place a Bid!