
Ella Jerman-Riddell
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£2,000 - £3,000
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Sale Coordinator
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Associate Specialist
This dress is one of Lady Edith's most beloved pieces among 'Downtonians'. It features in the episode where Lady Edith and Michael Gregson meet at the Criterion in Piccadilly.
This dress was designed by Caroline McCall, and is a departure from both Edith's quintessential wardrobe but also juxtaposes her against the clothes of the rest of the Downton family who are still in mourning, following Mathew's death.
The striking teal and gold of the dress create a visual unity on camera between the gold tiled setting of the Criterion, perhaps suggesting that Lady Edith is in her natural habitat, or that she fits into London life.
McCall had found the original fabric for the bodice in Paris. McCall conserved the fabric, by backing it and reinforcing it for the bodice. A modern teal chiffon was then added to the skirt, creating a hybrid dress that has both vintage and modern materials.