Encants...

Got a great haul at Encants for the first time in a long time! Including these amazing dresses from the 1920's or earlier. (sorry the photos don't do the dresses justice) I haven't done anything to them yet, they need a good clean and ironing and just a little mending. I paid more than I usually would but they're in such good condition and I particularly love the two black dresses, which I may have to just add to my own collection! Also in amoungst the twenty odd pieces of vintage that I bought I got this cardigan which I just love- it'll look fab with denim or a pretty floral dress!

Ophelia

I bought this dress this morning from Encants. Its in a pretty sorry state...all that delicate lace and beading hasn't fared too well, which considering its age (1880's) isn't too surprising. But I love it, and even if I just hang it up in my studio it was well worth the 1 Euro I paid for it! Though I have an art project that's been slowly bubbling away that would use these broken dresses that ive been hoarding...I just find such beauty in these things, especially this dress, so heavy with history and untold stories. Ive called her Ophelia, although I think that its more for the image of it soaking in the tub than for the actual dress itself. Does anyone know any good books on clothing restoration?