Name: 1920s silk chemise with cutwork embroidery
Brand: unbranded
SKU: LG-20-001
Price: 210.00 USD
Availability: InStock

1920s silk chemise with cutwork embroidery

vintage | unbranded

$210.00 USD

1 left

the look

a lovely 1920s silk chemise, cut in the straight, dropped-waist silhouette that defined flapper-era underpinnings. the sleeveless bodice opens into a deep v at both the front and back neckline, framed by hand-worked cutwork embroidery: three floral medallions with open lattice centers, connected by trailing embroidered vines and tiny leaf motifs, all worked in matching self-tone thread so the design reads as texture rather than contrast. the technique, sometimes called richelieu or eyelet embroidery, was a signature decorative finish on fine lingerie of the era, where the fabric itself is cut away and the raw edges bound in dense buttonhole stitching to keep the open work from fraying. the straight cut and dropped waist let the silk skim the body rather than shape it, in keeping with the looser, more liberated lines that came into fashion after world war i. a faint pencil inventory number on the interior back neckline is a small trace of the piece's retail or department-store history.

details

era: 1920s
designer: unbranded
origin: unknown
design: sleeveless silk chemise, dropped-waist straight cut, v-neckline front and back finished with hand-worked cutwork (richelieu) embroidery in three floral medallions with open lattice centers, connected by embroidered vine and leaf motifs. side vents at the hip, narrow rolled hem, machine-overlocked interior seams. materials and percentages - content tag not visible, fiber content unknown; likely silk crepe or silk satin based on the sheen and drape, consistent with comparable 1920s silk chemises
condition: excellent: fully wearable, one small faint stain on the front skirt and shoulder (see photos), light general creasing from storage, no tears or embroidery loss. faint writing on interior back of neck, not visible from exterior.
size & fit: no size tag visible. best modern fit estimate is us 6-8, the straight unfitted cut gives generous ease through the body
flat measurements: bust 19 in flat, waist 19 in flat, hips free, shoulder 14 in, length 49 in

each vintage piece has lived a life before finding its way to us, some may show signs of wear that add to its story and character.

we always disclose our condition rating and notes, but please inspect pictures thoughtfully.

learn more here.

all of our in-house products are made from salvaged textiles like quilts and table linens, deadstock vintage fabric, and other deadstock materials.

our goal is to celebrate these special fabrics and textiles by saving them and making them wearable.

we always list out all materials. because of the nature of these materials, there may be wear and details that vary from one item to the next.

all measurements in product descriptions are taken flat unless otherwise noted. we typically include an estimated modern size for reference, but we recommend reviewing all measurements.