***PLEASE READ***: All Sales are final! All Patron of Dreams products are vintage, antique or pre-used, so there may be minor imperfections or flaws, as is the nature of second-hand items. Any notable flaws are included in the product descriptions. Please read descriptions and measurements carefully before purchasing. Patron of Dreams has a no returns policy!
- This is a cultural artifact, made to be worn, lived in, understood and celebrated!
- Antique 1920's heirloom Slavic embroidered dress
- Hand made in Ukraine with homespun natural un-dyed flax linen (soft, heavy, breathable, and has a slightly grey colour tone). Hand sewn and embroidered with red and black, and crocheted details on both upper arms and collar. One of a kind!
- The Slavic folk art of embroidery carries many symbols and meaningful codes from the ancient ancestry of the Slavic peoples of different Eastern European regions, long before Christianity. Many of these values and symbols survived religious conversion and continue to be used today. Much of the symbolism depicts elements of nature, the land, family, balance of masculine and feminine, and protection of loved ones. Most of these symbols were created centuries ago, at a time when our ancestors had a very close magical connection with nature, to provide with wearer with an amulet "written" in ancestral code.
- On this dress, the black and red X's embroidered on the collar and upper arms signify the intersection of the earthly and spiritual realms as a symbol of protection. X's also symbolize harmony of the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. The diamonds are symbols of fertility, representing 2 triangles (one male, one female), and the fertility of the land. The chevrons pointing downward on the upper arms signifies the feminine and the womb where new life is created and birthed.
- This dress features beautiful and rare crochet details on the shoulders creating a lace-like effect. In addition to red and black embroidery on the upper arms, an embroidered collar with a single button closure. Beautiful fabric gathering and stitching details at neckline and wrist cuffs, and blue buttons and button holes to fasten the wrists.
- Cut in the traditional loose and wide tunic style with deep v neckline and large straight cut sleeves. Would traditionally be warn with a skirt over top, but is often worn casually belted or loose as a dress or night shirt in modern times.
- Size Small-Large depending on desired fit. Please refer to the measurements (taken flat) for most accurate fit.
- Measurements:
- shoulders: are 18" across
- Shoulder to pit: 13"
- chest/bust: 50" (25" across, doubled)
- waist: 50"
- hip: 50"
- neck opening (buttoned): 6" across (12" around)
- plunging neckline: 14"
- wrist cuff: 3" across (buttoned up)
- arm length: 29" (from neckline to cuff)
- length of dress: 39" (from shoulder to bottom hem)
- In very good vintage/antique condition. The homespun flax linen shows the imperfections of being handmade. By handmade heirloom standards, this adds to the value and specialness of the piece. This piece shows some signs of its age and use, with well scrubbed discolourations, spot staining (most notable on the front left side), a small hole, and minor variations in colour seen upon close inspection (shown in photos). It has been cleaned, but further long soaking could potentially lift the stains out if you'd like to try. As you can see in the un-edited photos (hanging), it still presents beautifully and is strong, clean, and wearable. Selling AS IS, and priced to reflect imperfections and one of a kind status.
- A gorgeous piece of Slavic heritage all the way from Eastern Europe. A wonderful heirloom piece, ready to wear, keep well and pass down through the ages. A true one of a kind, handmade treasure from nearly a century ago!