Wrapper Detail

The influence of Greek and Roman material culture on fashion often takes the form of superficial ornamentation. The meandros or ‘Greek key’ motif, which has been invoked as an eternity symbol in modern usage, adds an element of Hellenic romance to this 1880s wrapper. ‘Undress’ or ‘at-home’ garments like the 19th century wrapper and the later tea and hostess gowns frequently incorporated exotic, historicizing and romantic elements.