Damaged beyond repair?

[Maddalena]

Hello,

Could anyone help me understand if a professional might be able to repair the shoulders of this silk jacket? I'm not sure if it's disintegrating and will continue to do so, or if it could somehow be reinforced or repaired.

I do not own this piece but am thinking of purchasing it; the seller said she believes the damage came from being hung on a hanger for many years. It is otherwise in excellent condition and I'm willing to pay to have it professionally repaired, but I don't know if it is remotely possible. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Maddalena

 

[BlackLotusVintage]

Hello,

Could anyone help me understand if a professional might be able to repair the shoulders of this silk jacket? I'm not sure if it's disintegrating and will continue to do so, or if it could somehow be reinforced or repaired.

I do not own this piece but am thinking of purchasing it; the seller said she believes the damage came from being hung on a hanger for many years. It is otherwise in excellent condition and I'm willing to pay to have it professionally repaired, but I don't know if it is remotely possible. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Maddalena

Hi Maddalena! In my experience having a good look at the garment in person is the only way to know the true extent of the damage. From your photos it looks as though the silk is starting to shatter on the shoulders. I would be concerned about the structural integrity of the garment as a whole. Also take into consideration the age of the garment! I don't know if you're considering buying from someone local where you can have a good look in person, but that would be ideal.

Thanks for posting your question, someone else here might have more information to offer you as well-
Jolene

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

I agree that the silk appears to be shattering. Unfortunately, I don't see how this could be repaired in an aesthetically pleasing or wearable way, any repairs would be noticeable and further deterioration probable. Historical conservation of shattered silk involves the use of support materials and sheer overlays. Your typical local seamstress would not be able to do such work properly.
HERE is an article on shattered silk written by one of our trade members, @Circa Vintage Clothing.

 

[Maddalena]

Thank you very much for your helpful resonates! Much appreciated!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Thanks for sharing my article, Donna.

It's hard to know the cause of the damage without inspecting the garment in person. It could be shattering but there are other causes that should be ruled out: sun damage comes to mind, as shoulders are often exposed and it weakens the fibres.

Most are irreversible so it should be kept in mind that any repairs (stabilisation of the fabric) might need to be repeated in future. You can't stop silk from shattering once it starts: it's caused by poor storage and historical garments often suffer from this over the years they take to come to us.

I would seek advice from a professional textile conservator. Their fees can be high: here in Australia, prices might start at $175 AUD per hour and it's painstaking work. But you need to factor in the cost if you wish to wear or display the garment as it will only get worse.

Personally, I do not think this jacket can likely be returned to a sufficient state for wearing, as shoulders are a stress point. Once the fabric has lost its integrity it's impossible to return it, all you can do is stabilise it and try to slow down the deterioration process.

Nicole