The blog this week starts with a new addition to the collection.
Thanks to a reader who thought of the collection when chatting to a friend about an inheritance, there are now two pieces from Egypt in store to research and share.
In the 18th and 19th Centuries Egyptian Revival swept the world but it was not until the discovery of Tutankahmun’s tomb in 1922 that the motifs of Ancient Egypt became an integral part of everyday life. Art Deco and its fascination with geometry and the world’s cultures, gleefully took on the patterns, colours and textures of the exotic through architecture and interiors resulting in some of the most recognisable design, including of towns and cities, in the world.
During the Art Deco period, fashion and accessories also became vehicles for the expression of exoticism, with beads and metallic threads taking centre stage, along with an elongated silhouette, perfect for Tulle bitalli, aka Assuit.
Assuit fabric is named after the region where it was made in Upper Egypt. The technique involves the use of a double-headed needle threaded with a metallic thread that is clamped over a meshed net. The result is a shimmering garment that drapes beautifully because of the weight of the metal, yet is comfortable to wear in heat because of the net.
Two pieces have been loaned to the collection indefinitely. One is an Assuit dress in black, and the other a shawl in white. They are original pieces from the 1920s, bought by the donor’s grandmother who traveled extensively and most likely acquired them in Egypt, and, although there are some repairs and a little damage, they are in remarkable condition.
Unfortunately it is difficult to photograph these fragile pieces. However this dress and this shawl resemble them and more research will allow us to learn about, photograph and store them correctly.
Thank you to the reader who introduced the donor and allowed us to accept these fascinating garments into the collection. They will be on display occasionally in the new space, and available on request for visitors to see.
Read more:
https://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/fabric-friday-assuit.77485
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