Description
I have held on to this amazing piece for years now as was told it was quite rare. However, I have to admit I think I only wore it once so time to pass on. This is really a collector's piece as it's so over the top. Whoever made this must have spent months! Guess it might have been her wedding dress. It has like a white shimmery brocade base with absolutely amazing embroidered inserts at top, down the sides, at end of sleeves & around the bottom. The embroidery stitching is like fine cording as very thick & then the majority of the patterns are outlined in shimmering metallic gold threading that looks like it may be buillion in some places but hard to tell. I actually bought this here on Etsy years ago & the seller said it was a malak handmade wedding dress from the 50s. I am not an expert so can't swear to the dating. Could be newer I suppose. I had a fancy one similar to this one that I think was from the 70s but you know it's old as no one does this kind of work anymore. It is pieced together as the embroidered parts are done on different ⁸fabric that kind of reminds me of garardine as it has ribbing. I am not a fabric expert & it is even harder when pieces are from different countries & are older. But it is truly magnificant. The sleeves are really over the top with that huge flare. Really everything is over the top. It is in goo vintage condition. On close inspection, noticed one tiny little split on back brocade like part near top as well as one seam that has come loose & is a bit frayed. The underarm seams are a bit loose & there are some loose threads. I may have missed something as difficult to see amidst all the embroidery, but if I did, so will anyone else I presume. There is some slight yellowing here & there but again, not really noticeable unless looking at closely. & when worn, even less likely to see but it is there. It is a larger size & would work for any gender & various sizes although would probably overwhelm a smaller person. Great for fancy event or costume party as well as for theater, stage, film or display. & of course for an ethnic wedding! Measurements Shoulders 21 but sleeves slightly dropped Sleeves 22.5 but 67 from end of one sleeve to end of other Underarm to underarm across the back 22.5 Across the waist area almost 21.5 Across the hip area 23 Length @61 Rare Museum Worthy Palestinian Handmade Wedding Dress W/Heavy Metallic Accented Malak Embroidery
