Vintage Modes at Alfies Antiques, London

03/11/2024

03/11/2024

The MET has this spectacular example of the work of Maria Monaci Gallenga, (1880-1944). She was an Italian designer working mostly in Rome and was a contemporary of Mariano Fortuny. They worked in similar styles, typically stenciling velvets with historically referenced patterns in metallic powder pigments. The primary difference between their work is one of scale. Monaci always chose to work patterns in a much larger scale than Fortuny.
This is a tea gown designed by her in 1925. Called “Theodosia” it is meant to reference the Byzantine Empress Consort to Leo V. The structurally simple gown is essentially three straight cut panels of purple silk velvet; two for the gown body, and a single much longer one as the shoulder mounted train. The sleeves are vast rectangles of purple silk chiffon, weighted at the hem with glass beads.
Gallenga collaborated closely with a seamstress who supplied cut pattern pieces to the designer for printing. Gallenga used carved woodblocks, adhesive, and metallic powder pigments to produce ombré effects on the fabric that one author likened to "water and moonlight." At her Rome salon, she often collaborated with others on a Florence shop. In 1926 she opened a Parisian business that sold fabrics, clothing, furniture, and decorative arts. Gallenga exhibited her textiles internationally and frequently used her boutique to host exhibitions of her Italian colleagues' work.

04/03/2024

Looks uncomfortable

04/03/2024

04/03/2024

Fishing for jewellery? Look no further than this 1980s gold plated, enamel broach from 🐟🌟

Find gorgeous antique and vintage costume jewellery, accessories and decorative arts at ’s store in Alfies Antique Market💓