Images(3)

Cream Velvet Wedding Dress

Dressmaker Helen Bagrie (Insch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, born 1874)

AssociatedAssociated with Queen's Cross Church (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Date1936

Object NameDress

Mediumsilk, velvet, cardboard and paper

ClassificationsFashion and Dress

DimensionsChest x Waist x Length x Back Length x Bust x Circumference x Hips: 400 × 340 × 1330 × 1330 × 360 × 2400 × 440mm

AcquisitionPresented in 2006 by Mrs E Taylor.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS076085

Keywords

About MeHelen Bagrie was an exceptionally talented dressmaker who owned a small business in the smart west end at 343 Union Street, Aberdeen. From 1905 to 1940 she brought the latest styles to the well-to-do people of the north-east. Every year she would visit fashion houses in London or Paris and would return with the latest patterns and fabrics for the following season. She was one of the most sought-after dressmakers in the area. She is said to have loved a special event and rose to the challenge of making unique bridal wear.

The bride who wore this wedding dress was an employee of Helen Bagrie. When one of the seamstresses married, Miss Bagrie and her colleagues would get to work to make the perfect wedding dress for the bride. The dress was worn at Queen's Cross Church on 2nd January 1937.

The mid-1930s saw elements of Hollywood glamour imbued in wedding dresses and styles became full-length and fabulous. A variety of rich fabrics were popular, such as the velvet used in this dress. The long length and pointed cuffs combine to give an elegant and slightly medieval feel.