Wartime Dress in Changeant Silk

The right-hand dress (1940-1945) was constructed from a dress originally dating to around 1898, using the brick red reverse side of the fabric, which was very fashionable. Burgundy red silk was extremely popular in the latter years of the 19th century. The dress was completely lined, so that the reverse side of the fabric was not visible, appearing only when the fabric was cut into.