Evening wrap

Striking sunflowers decorate this eau-de-nil evening wrap. They were popular motifs with decorative artists in late 19th and early 20th century, particularly within the Aesthetic Movement. These sunflowers are made up of petals couched in white cotton thread surrounding a centre of tightly ruched taffeta. They are mainly concentrated around the hem, although a few flowers adorn the bodice and smaller versions bloom on the shoulders.

Pastel colours combined with textured decoration were particularly fashionable in the early 1900s. Lady Fairhaven wore this wrap in the summer, probably as an elegant addition to her evening dress.