Teagown c. 1906

This teagown was designed and created by Templier et Rondeau using cotton and lace. Imagine the dressmaker, surrounded by fabrics, meticulously cutting and sewing, layering lace on top of cotton. I wonder what it was like for them, piecing together this symphony of fabric. Was it a dance between structure and fluidity, where each stitch was a note in a larger composition? The puffed sleeves, the high collar, the long pleated skirt - how does this elaborate dress sit on the body? How does it move? I’m drawn to the subtle tonal variations in the lace, the way patterns emerge and dissolve like whispers. It reminds me of the work of textile artist Anni Albers, who wove narratives and rhythms into the fabric itself. When we look at the history of painting, we see artists constantly drawing from and responding to one another. Likewise, this gown exists within a larger conversation about craft, artistry, and design. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to engage with the world in a more curious and playful way, appreciating the hidden depths within everyday objects.