Antique 1920s–1930s Art Deco Black Lace Evening Flapper Dress

A rare and exceptionally beautiful original 1920s-1930s flapper dress, made from layers of black floral lace and what appears to be silk crepe. Its classic dropped waist is finished with a narrow belt and glittering Art Deco diamanté buckle, while alternating triangular panels of lace and crepe create a wonderful effect throughout the skirt. With long lace sleeves, a scalloped hem, and a full lining, it is special survivor from the Jazz Age. It is a dress one could imagine being worn to an evening gathering at Downton Abbey. Now around a century old, this old girl needs treating kindly – a great project piece for the right person. 

Measurements:

Bust: 36"

Waist: 32"

Length: 44"

Condition:

A beautiful but delicate antique piece with understandable signs of its considerable age. The lace has begun to give way in a number of places, creating several small openings throughout – we have photographed this as well as we could. There is some yellowing to the underskirt and a small hole near the lower front-left hem, perhaps caused by a heel at some previous party. Despite the flaws, the dress as a whole is beautiful and remains wearable with very careful handling. Alternatively, it would make a wonderful restoration project. 

Materials: believed to be silk crepe with floral lace and a full lining; exact composition has not been confirmed

Era: 1920s-1930s

Origin: unknown, likely made in England or elsewhere in Europe