Stunning 1920s evening dress now on display at the North Otago Museum

A beautiful beaded evening dress is being exhibited at the North Otago Museum from now until the 8th of March 2012. This stunning garment (made from chiffon) dates from the mid to late 1920s and is decorated with silver and white roses made from thousands of hand applied beads.

The dress was donated to the Museum in 2003 by the Oamaru Women’s Club, however little is known about who made or wore it.

Museum Curator Chloe Searle explained:
“This is one of my favourite items in the Museum’s textile collection. Many of the dresses from this era have not survived because the beads are quite heavy and over time this weight tends to damage the fabric. To have it in this condition is fantastic. It’s a real gem.”