I don’t frequently make things that incorporate my Indian heritage so this project was a treat. My father’s parents were both born in India and he was born in Pakistan. My mother’s family has been in the U.S. since the 1800s. I decided to make a Robe De Style out of one of my grandmother’s Saris, I inherited boxes of them when she passed away. I felt that the gold woven border would make a great 1920’s dress and after looking through many styles I decided to make a robe de style due to it’s feminine cut. Although I probably never had a relative that wore such a style, I’m sure my Ammi Ji (Grandma) would probably have really liked this dress. She was born in 1943 and died in 2008 and I know her older relatives all dressed rather traditionally. My Ammi Ji loved fashion contemporary and traditional. My mother’s side of the family came from Appalachian farmer stock. I’m also wearing my Mother’s mother’s art deco ring. On the table is her gold mesh purse, a pen my grandpa turned, a Paris travel guide from 1921, underneath is my grandpa’s Hoffman radio and I am holding an 1880s Franklin Edition of David Copperfield. Sadly I did not take many in progress photos but the construction of this dress was fairly simple. The bodice is french seamed and the tiers are hand hemmed the rest of the inside seams are pinked.
Milan 1929, 1920, Royal Ascot 1925, Unknown
British 1920, Worn by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller in 1920s, Callot Soeurs 1924
Seeta Devi 1925, Maharani Vijayaraje Scindia, Sisters 1930s
What the item is: Sari Robe De Style
The Challenge: Heirlooms and Heritage
Fabric: My grandmother’s vintage silk sari
Pattern: self-drafted
Year: Early to Mid 1920’s
Notions: none
How historically accurate is it? Fairly accurate I would say it passes the recognizable in its own time.
Hours to complete: Around 12
First worn: To take photos
Romancing the Sewn 