Truly one of a kind piece, custom made in 1947 for Mary Margaret Todd Monroe (yes, a descendant of the Lincoln family) while she was on her honeymoon in New Orleans. This piece was hand made at 'Lylian' in the French Quarter; the shop started out in the 1920s and specialized in everything from baby clothes and christening gowns to embroidered evening gowns. "Lylian was an outgrowth of the Acadian Handicraft Project, which put gifted seamstresses from southwest Louisiana (many of whom still spoke only in Cajun French) in touch with stores and buyers in New Orleans."
Made of a pale buttercream silk chiffon and ecru lace with bleu silk satin ribbon work detailing and handmade floral rosettes. Pleated around the front and back yoke, lAyer’s of fabric, slightly exaggerated padded shoulders, and knife pleated sleeves that drape beautifully. Elongated silk satin ribbon ties at the neckline act as the only closure for this piece.
Condition: Nearly pristine, I had to fully remove all the trim and adornments to hand soak it, and made sure to strengthen any areas that needed it. There is a faint mark on back hidden in drape of fabric, as well as nearly indiscernible variation in color as well. Strong, clean, and ready to wear for another 80 plus years
