Vintage 1980's Flutter Sleeved Silk Satin Dress Trimmed in Alencon Lace
I have recently become interested in figuring out what kind of lace is in items in my collection. Here is a lovely silk satin crepe dress – vintage 1980’s – that features an Alencon lace border around the bottom of the skirt and additional appliques of matching lace at locations of hips, shoulders and the back closure.
Closeup Photo of the Alencon Lace Border
Here is a closeup of the lace border on the hem. It is 50 inches in circumference and 5.5 inches wide which is a considerable amount of this very valuable and exquisite lace.
Note the Glass Seed Beads and Glass Rice Shaped Pearl Beads Added to further Enhance the Lace.
The beading was added to enhance the lavish lace decoration after the lace was applied to the dress. The hips are further enhanced with matching Alencon lace appliques which additionally are embroidered with the beads and little hanging beads shaped like Baroque pearl teardrops.
The Appliques of Alencon Lace on the Hips Also Feature Hanging Pearl Drops
These little suspended pearl beads actually swing and add movement to the dress as the wearer moves. The detailing is extraordinary! It is common to use small amounts of this lovely lace in this way to embellish bridal veils and gowns, make lace cuff bracelets and decorate sashes, thereby enjoying the beauty of small amounts of this lace which is very expensive in large pieces or quantities. I have found it listed at about $150 a yard and higher lately. That was before the addition of beads and pearls!
The Side View of the Dress Showing Lace Embellishments on the Hips, as Well as the Hemline Border and at the Shoulder.
Here is a side view of the decorations at the hips.
Alencon Lace Applique Decorating the Shoulder.
Here is a closeup photo of the flutter style double layer sleeves.
The Shoulder Applique Showing the Addition of the Beads
And a closeup of the shoulder area Alencon lace applique.
Beautiful Tiny Scalloped Hem Detailing Compliments the Alencon Lace on the Satin Crepe Flutter Sleeves
Note the lovely tiny scalloped hemming on the edges of the flower-like sleeves making them tie in with the flowers in the lace motif!
The Back View of the Dress.
And finally, the back view of this lovely well made dress with a tiny bit of bead embellished Alencon lace used to decorate the back single button closure as a final accent in subtle beauty.
Signed LDavis Ltd
I know nothing yet about the designer/maker of this dress but here is the designer’s label ~ the artist’s signature to this artistic dress creation. Please let me know if you know anything about this designer. I have looked all over the internet and have not been able to locate them. I would like to know more. His or her work is incredible! And deserves appreciation!
This classic dress is a size 10 in contemporary Misses sizing. It is listed for sale in my Etsy Store ladyviolettedecourcy.
You can access the listing by visiting //www.etsy.com/listing/98344007/exquistie-ecru-silk-satin-antique-beaded
More coming on Alencon Lace soon ……..
