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Page 22 The Antique Shoppe June, 2017
SPECIAL FEATURE:
CHILDREN’S EARLY MADE CLOTHING A HOT COLLECTIBLE
BY ANNE GILBERT
Do you know that children’s clothing has a SHOWN: Boy’s suit. 19 century; Met Museum, N.Y.
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long and fascinating history dating back to the
16 century? Boys and girls wore gowns, robes Ever wonder why “blue” is the color for boy
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or tunics. Totally sexless. Fast forward to babies and “pink for girls”? The color code
your own early childhood! What did for genders became standardized
you wear when you were from in 1910, and is still in use these
six to ten years old? Maybe its days. Who knows why?
collectible. Children’s fashions were
Clothing made for first mentioned in
babies, little boys, and fashion magazines in
girls has radically the 1870s. At the
changed over the same time, ready-
centuries. This is to-wear clothing
one of the many for children was
reasons that there sold. By the 1920s there
are collectors who compete were patterns for children’s
with museums for the most clothing. These patterns are
interesting examples. Many a popular collectible these SHOWN: Antique
christening gown
collectors are creating their days since they are scarce. They w/detailed bodice;
own family heirlooms from the make an interesting addition to a LuvMeTwoTimes
handmade children’s clothing collection when framed.
from the past and adapting it to Collectors also like to add bibs,
the present. It offers a charming bonnets and other accessories The most collectible items are christening
alternative to the acrylics and to their collections. For small dresses, children’s purses and accessories.
mass produced contemporary children, a matched set included People have discovered that purses and
children’s clothing. a dress. Some bibs tied around bonnets make wonderful decorative
Some collectors display it as the waist. Even the humble bib accessories when framed. Workmanship,
an art from, mounted, framed and was often trimmed with lace and condition and rarity determine the price as
hanging on a wall. Others photograph their cut work. well as eye appeal.
children wearing an example for a special Rompers are a long-forgotten word and You may be surprised to learn that little boys
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occasion. For those who aren’t fortunate item. In the 1890s, these bloomer-like pants wore dresses in the 19 century. The clue to if
enough to inherit lacy christening gowns were worn by creeping infants of both sexes. they are boys are the buttons on the front.
and bonnets, buying a vintage or Victorian They can be classified as the first unisex Another surprise is that children’s fashions
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example, from a dealer or auction, is the children’s outfits. Later in the century in the early decades of the 19 century often
answer. However, there are many treasures they became decorated with preceded similar changes in adult
lying forgotten in attics awaiting discovery. drums and soldiers for clothing. For instance, simple
Victorian christening gowns, so popular with boys and dolls and frocks for girls reflected
today’s collectors, were meant to be handed flowers for girls. the then popular high-
down from generation to generation. They Collectors waisted, neoclassical
had tiny drawstrings at the neck and waist. separate and style for women. Trousers
That way they could be let out or taken in to specialize children’s for young boys were
fit the next baby. These days the christening clothing into design years popular long before they
gowns lavished with the finest lace work can during which major changes were adapted as adult male dress.
sell for hundreds of dollars. They could include occurred. For example, the Social reforms at the end of the
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hand bobbin lace inserts and various types of Mod, hippie and disco years 18 century inspired changes in
needlework embroidery. are 1965-1976. Fabrics and clothing designed for the special
Historically, children’s fashions in the early designs define the eras. needs of children’s christening
decades of the 19 century often preceded Like other vintage and gowns and accessories.
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similar changes in adult clothing. For instance, antique textiles time has By 1900 there were
simple frocks for girls reflected the then high- often created problems. children’s beach fashions:
waisted, neoclassic style for women. Trousers Many times, they have dresses of course.
for young boys were popular long before been stuffed into Check out sellers on
they were adopted as adult male clothing. trunks and drawers, eBay and at flea markets.
However, prior to the 19 century, children resulting in stains Prices are down these
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were dressed as miniature adults. Social and wrinkles. Often days and good buys
reforms at the end of the 18 century inspired all they need is a are available.
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changes in clothing designed for the special delicate washing to
needs of children’s christening gowns and bring out details such SHOWN: Childs bathing suit.
accessories. as embroidery and lace. C. 1900; Costume Institute
