Poetry in Motion from 1930 at Augusta AuctionsHoundstooth is a little out of its wheelhouse on an ev

Poetry in Motion from 1930 at Augusta Auctions

Houndstooth is a little out of its wheelhouse on an evening gown, as it is a woven pattern best known in woolen tweeds for tailored suits and coats. Yet it makes for harmony as it becomes panels of glimmering pinwheels in this brocaded silk chiffon number. As the image indicates, it offers two kinds of flaring at the hemline, first circular  flounces on the dress itself and then tiered circular hem flounces on the silk crepe underdress.

The ornate ornamentation on flat panels of the tubular silhouette was popular in 1920s, but these flounces shatter the tube and create poetry in motion. Imagine a woman wearing this as she spun across the dance floor, the metallic threads catching the light as they lifted and fell with her steps. These flounces with their rounded hemlines are the sophisticated version of our “handkerchief” hems which are usually only squares tilted to the bias which creates sharp corner. This makes them easier to make, but not as pretty when they move.