Deep Red Evening Dress
Dressmaker
Helen Bagrie
(Insch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, born 1874)
Date1935 - 1936
Object NameDress
Mediumsilk velvet
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsBust: 93cm
Waist: 75cm
Back Length: 152cm
Waist: 75cm
Back Length: 152cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1981 by Mr A Beddie.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS011416
Keywords
This striking dress was made by Aberdeen dressmaker Helen Bagrie. The deep red velvet lends itself perfectly to the dress, which has been cut in a pseudo medieval style.
The word velvet comes from the Latin vellus meaning fleece. It is a fabric woven to produce a pile which has a rich soft texture. Although velvets today are often manmade, those woven from silk have a luxurious quality that is unparalleled. In the past silk velvet adorned the clothes of kings and queens. Today it is used sparingly for garments worn for special occasions.
More About Me
Bagrie, born in rural Aberdeenshire, was an exceptional dressmaker who brought haute couture to NE Scotland. Silk velvet has a lustrous sheen and its soft texture allows for the best draping.
Early 1930s
1930s
Late 19th Century