details:
A rare, floral-printed, silk-velvet blouse, circa 1930's. The fabric is translucent and rich-toned -- printed in vibrant shades of salmon, indigo, dark turquoise, red & amber. The nap is raised in a distinctly-different floral pattern, which glows silver-pink, pale-gold, copper & deep-pink, changing in the light. (This fluid, theatrical fabric is also known as burned velvet.)
Shirt construction was perhaps inspired by the novel contemporary designs of Elsa Schiaparelli. An enormous, dramatic, black velvet bow covers the bust -- ribbons furling up the neck. Silhouette is otherwise simple & feminine -- a deep v-neck & tight, belt-cinched waist. The hem acts as a ruffle.