Description
The waistcoat is made of soft pink silk, a material frequently used in Alaya for the formal garments of girls from affluent families. Its surface is adorned with dense gold-thread embroidery, depicting vegetal motifs, cross-shaped ornaments, and symmetrical compositions characteristic of Asia Minor urban dress in the early 20th century.
The handmade lace trim—featuring intricate undulating motifs and interlaced metallic elements—attests to a high level of craftsmanship, likely the work of specialised female artisans in the region. The deep red fabric lining (at the chest) served to emphasise the garment’s luxury and to support the weight of the gold embroidery.
Donated to the collection of the Alaya Association by Evangelia Mandona-Nouveloglou, it is exhibited at the ALAYA Cultural Centre.
