Edwardian Walking Ensemble, ca. 1906 – Linen Dress & Jacket from the Helen Larson Collection

Construction & Materials

This breathtaking Edwardian outing ensemble, dating to around 1906, is one of the most exquisite and elegantly crafted garments we have ever handled. Over the years we have seen, draped, and photographed countless antique dresses, yet none come close to the refinement, presence, and visual impact of this extraordinary two‑piece set.

Made of finely woven linen, the ensemble consists of a high‑neck dress and a matching long jacket — an outfit that would have been worn by a wealthy woman strolling through a major city in the United States or Europe during the early 20th century.

The jacket is adorned with charming ball fringe, which would have moved gracefully with every step. A blue velvet collar and a matching blue velvet belt add depth and contrast to the natural linen. Both the dress and the jacket are richly embellished with Cluny lace (bobbin lace), a hallmark of high‑quality Edwardian craftsmanship.

The dress features a slight train, elbow‑length sleeves with lace bands, and decorative soutache details. The jacket, with its 3/4 sleeves, wide lace collar, velvet trim, and buttons, completes the ensemble with a sense of sophistication and movement.

Condition

The condition is excellent and museum‑worthy, with only minimal flaws:

• a few missing fringe balls

• light browning to some areas

• slightly worn velvet on the buttons

• a small water stain, barely noticeable

A cloth belonging to the ensemble is included; other decorative elements shown in photographs are not part of the offering.

Provenance: Helen Larson Collection

This ensemble comes from the renowned Helen Larson Collection. Helen Larson, based in Whittier, California, was a brilliant connoisseur, historian, and passionate collector of historic fashion. She built a world‑famous private archive while running a successful film and theater costume rental business.

Many major exhibitions of antique clothing and accessories around the world have featured pieces from her collection. In April 2018, parts of the Larson Collection were sold at auction — this is how we acquired this remarkable and exceptionally well‑preserved Edwardian outing ensemble.

Historical Context & Fashion Significance

A rare opportunity to own a piece of early 20th‑century fashion history, ideal for collectors of Edwardian clothing, antique dresses, museum‑quality garments, and historic textiles. Ensembles of this calibre — complete, linen‑based, and richly trimmed — seldom survive in such condition.

Measurements

• Waist: approx. 76 cm

• Bust: approx. 91 cm

• Front length: approx. 150 cm

• Back length: approx. 155 cm

• Hips: approx. 110 cm

• Jacket length: approx. 85 cm