Embroidered Purple Silk Ensemble | Turkey

Description

Origin: Ottoman Empire | Turkey
Era: Early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
Includes: blouse, şalvar pants, belt, hat
Condition: good condition; faint stains and marks on blouse and pants, most likely from perspiration; no holes/tears; silk in good condition, not brittle; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Blouse – across front: 24″ between underarms | loose, flowy style
   Blouse – length: 20.5″
   Pants – waist: 24-40″ around | elastic waistband
   Pants – length: 37″
   Belt: 4″ x 36″ | currently set at 31″ waist, but hooks can be repositioned to any size up to 36″ max
   Hat: 23″ circumference
Additional Notes: Entirely handmade embroidered silk ensemble likely acquired as a souvenir in Turkey before WWI, when grand tours of Europe were popular. Furthermore, the traditional wide şalvar pants suggest the the ensemble predates the Turkish fashion reforms of the 1920s. The outfit features a mix of western European taste and traditional Turkish design, demonstrating the popularity of tribal and ethnic designs in fashionable western clothing of the period. The four-piece set is made of purple silk with traditional paisley and kufesque embroidered motifs along with a turga cipher on top of the hat alluding to its Ottoman provenance. Each of the garments is trimmed with metallic lace plus the cap and belt are lined with marigold yellow silk fabric. The pants and blouse both have elastic added at the waist – later additions intended to make the garments easier to wear. Several decades ago such Turkish souvenir garments and costumes were were not that uncommon, but they have since all but vanished from the market making a full matched set all the more scarce and desirable. No attempt at cleaning has been made and it’s possible that some of the stains can be removed by a dry-cleaner specialized in vintage clothing. Despite the stains, many of which get concealed in the fullness of the garments when the outfit is worn/displayed, this remains an excellent addition to any vintage fashion collection.