Help stopping a "run" on a silk 1920s gown (?)

KM75007

KM75007

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Hello! I hope I'm posting this in the right forum (my apologies if not).

I am hoping that someone can help me -- I was planning to (very, very carefully) wear an antique 1920s gown to a wedding this weekend. It's relatively stable and in good condition; there are minor repairs and reinforcements at the shoulders and under the arms, but it is made of silk georgette and is pretty heavily beaded (which, combined with its age, makes it inherently delicate, I suppose).

I jut noticed that there are two very tiny vertical "runs" or splits in the fabric near the neckline, where there is heavy beading. Normally, I would send it to someone I know who specializes in antique textiles for repair (and I will definitely do so). My question is -- in the meantime, is there any way to stop it from running or splitting further? I do not want to compromise the gown (the bodice is a very loose, paneled / tunic style and there is a silk underdress on which it is supported -- so this is good, but again, I don't want to create further damage).

I would post a photo, but the dress is not with me. I can upload one later if it would be helpful. Thank you in advance!
 
It sounds like the silk is starting to shatter, which is irreversible once it starts to happen and the silk will continue to split. What a shame, as I'm sure your dress is a beauty. However, I would advise against wearing it until you can have it looked at by your expert.
 
Actually, "shattering" affects fabrics that have had metallic elements introduced, and they tend to be heavier silks like satins and taffetas, that rustle when you walk. Beaded '20s dresses tend to be made of lighter silk chiffons and georgettes and whilst the effect looks very similar, they're more prone to "dry rot" than shattering. This is caused by changes in temperature. You can read my blog post about dry rot here, where a '20s beaded dress, a very, very badly damaged '20s dress was used to illustrate the effects.

Jody's right though, that if you wear this dress you are likely to damage it further - whether it is shattering, dry rot or any other cause. If it can be repaired, you may be able to wear it again though, assuming the integrity of the fabric has not been destroyed by whatever is causing the rips.

Incidentally, in '20s dresses, the shoulders are particular prone to damage because if they're hung, the weight of the beads pulls the delicate fabric downwards. I recommend storing them flat or at least with no weight on a particular place.
 
Thank you both for your feedback, and for the information! I have seen dry rot in other antique dresses, and this does not seem like it -- or the same kind of deterioration (at least I hope it isn't). I will take your advice and not wear it until I can have it examined and/or repaired. I have acid-free tissue and an archival box in which I store garments this delicate -- I hope that is sufficient (and I would never hang it, so no worries on that account!). Thank you again!

By the way, Nicole, I love your blog!
 
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