Mid 1920’s Step in with Ribbonwork

 Style

As a collector of antique lingerie- I have many pieces that I love but cannot or don’t dare wear. One such piece- a gorgeous bridal step in from the mid 20’s inspired this garment. Intended as a (graded to fit me) recreation- this piece allows me to safely wear some of the lovely pieces I would otherwise only be able to look at . There is something magical about making lingerie for yourself.

Construction

The slip is made in a deep yellow silk charmeuse, bordered in antique machine made lace and entirely sewn by hand. I am particularly proud of the 1/16” hand sewn pin tucks. The individual pieces are cut and the lace is top applied by hand. The seams of the lace are finished with a whip stitch. Side seams are all french seamed. The original slip, in comparision, was sewn by machine. I was looking for a finer finish- and so I did the work by hand.

The ribbonwork details at the hip and at the shoulder strap are made with antique ribbons. The shoulder straps are an lovely ivory double faced satin ribbon. A sliver of pale mauve silk ribbon fills the beading lace at the waist and allows a small amount of adjust ability.

Accessories

The sleep bandeau that I am wearing was made to match using remnants of lace, antique silk grosgrain, deadstock ribbonwork greenery and ribbonwork flowers I made and applied. It is a duplicate of an antique piece I own, bought separately from the slip and made in my own colors.

Photos by Phillip VanNostrand; Taken at a lovely chateau in France. Summer 2019