Thursday, August 9, 2012

History's Runway: The Maud Steel Wedding Gown, 1927

Wedding Gown of Gold Velvet
Britain, 1927
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum



Made in 1927, this gold silk panne velvet wedding dress is embroidered with artificial pearls. It was made for and worn by Miss Maud Katharine Alicia Cecil for her marriage to Richard Greville Acton Steel on November 17 at the church of St. Margaret's Westminster in London.

The bride wore the gown with a veil which was held in place by a heavy wreath of orange blossoms, anchored around the brow. The gown’s long court train was carried by a page and a bridesmaid. The bride felt that the gown’s neckline was too low, and so, in order to cover her décolletage and soften the gown’s bodice, she wore a camisole with scalloped lace edging beneath the gown.

Gold, silver and shell pink were the most popular colors for 1926 and 1927 weddings with velvet leading the choices of textiles. The late 20s saw an increase in shorter, more revealing wedding gowns, however, Miss Cecil has taken a more traditional and modest route with her choice. 






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