Post by MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp

MoMu and d_archive have joined forces to create a speculative 3D version of a velvet tea gown with embroidered appliqués, designed by Henry van de Velde around 1896 and worn by his wife, Maria Sèthe. To achieve this, the d_archive team and MoMu’s textile conservator Kim Verkens and pattern-cutter Stijn Van den Bulck (he/him) drew on several resources: surviving embroidered appliqués from Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, historical photos of Maria Sèthe in the gown at Villa Bloemenwerf, and a replica from the Kunstmuseen Krefeld Collection. In Villa Bloemenwerf, the first home of Henry van de Velde and Maria Sèthe, all art forms merged to create a harmonious living environment.⁠ ⁠ Van de Velde not only designed the house but also the furniture, wallpaper, household items, and even his wife’s clothes. Maria, who had sewn her own clothes before she was married, helped him execute the designs, which they worked on from around 1896.⁠ ⁠ One of the tea gowns was made from fluid velvet and decorated with embroidery on the cuffs, hem, bodice and shoulders. The lines of the embroidery match the interior of the house.⁠ ⁠ See it in 'Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair.' through 3 August 2025.⁠ Credit:⁠ 3D replica of a velvet tea gown with embroidered appliqués, designed by Henry van de Velde (c. 1896), 3D replica and animation by d_archive commissioned by MoMu, 2025, © d_archive. Romy Cockx Dieter Suls Martina Ponzoni Virgile Biosa

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