SHANGHAI LILY

Madame Babani opened her Paris shop in 1919. She imported textiles from the Orient and her pieces demonstrate a mix of invention with historical references. She used strong bold colors as her palette, like red and gold, seen in this amazing kimono style dress. The elaborate embroidery and the exotic hues used by Madame Babani in early 20's make her dresses very important pieces for collectors or museums. At the same time the dress is very wearable and has resisted time in almost perfect condition.

It reminded us here at Decades of one of our favorite Hollywood actresses from that era; Anna May Wong. She embodied that exotic Eastern flavor found early in Art Deco, in her look, clothes and definitely in per performances.

An exotic dress that brings to mind an era of exuberance in style and social upheaval.

-Eri

Babani kimono style dress in raspberry red embroidered with gold motif with belt, c. 1920's.

Modern Size 4.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

UNDRESS

Last night as we were all leaving 8214 Melrose Ave, Decadestwo employee Lizzy Epstein who writes many of the Decadestwo blogs and edits the Haute Look sales for our sister store, was spotted looking very chic in a vintage kimono with a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt. It was just the perfect way to undress after a long week. It made us think "take off your clothes and put on a kimono", but not just any kimono. We are delighted to give you a Couture kimono from the House of Babani circa the 1930s. The Babani company opened in the late 1890s and imported goods from China and Japan. By the 20th century, the Babani style was called Le Niu-Tse for it's Far East influenced Couture and by the teens the House added a fragrance called Ambre de Dehli.

This kimono is of silk crepe of a grape hue with garden themed embroidery. Wear it like Lizzy with jeans and a tee shirt. Undressed is the new dressed.

Babani Haute Couture silk crepe kimono with garden embroidery, c. 1930s. One size fits most. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.