Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wilhelmina's wedding gown

December 22, 1900


Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands' wedding gown is being made in Paris, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune.  The gown is "described as the most marvelous gown ever designed in this city," and the chief feature "consists of the wonderful embroideries which are being made at the Royal School of Art Needlework."
The dress is being made from a cloth of silver, "of so exquisitely supple and fine texture that it suggests the India muslins of our grandmothers, which could be pulled through a ring.  Constructed from the "richest white glace silk, the gown's "front of the jupe" will feature a "tapering design, harmonizing with the train, being broad at the hem and narrowing towards the waist."  Wilhelmina's "full court train will run two and one-half meters on the ground."
The waistband will be made from "two broad bands of embroidery, giving the general idea of detached sprays of orange blossoms."   Very fine seed pearls will be used as buds, and the "foliage is indicated by silver threads and palettes."
There will be no embroidery on the bodice, which will be cut low.  This is a "Dutch custom for state weddings."  The gown will be draped "with Brussels lace," as Wilhelmina owns a collection of both modern and antique lace.

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