The Dark Velvet Dress appears in photographs during the second half of the great War. In earlier photographs the dresses often have an Empire waistline.
With a scoop neckline and dropped waistline Velvet continued in popularity into the twenties.

Velvet is a fabric that can be seen in any era. It often falls from favour because it can be unflattering and needs care.
One would expect these dresses to be an item of winter clothing but two of the photographs here were taken Mid-Summer.
Velvet lends itself to decoration.Collars and cuffs were often trimmed with lace. Later during the twenties surface decoration was often applied in the form of rhinestones.

Above photo Edwarde Photographer, 14 St. Mary's Rd, Southampton

Inscribed :With love from Ethel...Photo June 1917