AN OTTOMAN BINDALLI DRESS

The bindalli is a garment made for special occasions such as weddings. Bindallis were worn by the bride, and her female family and friends. Marked by elaborate floral designs bindallis were decorated with dival embroidery, a technique in which metallic threads are applied to the ground fabric and stitched down rather than sewn into the fabric.

Bindallis were introduced into Ottoman woman's fashion in the 19th century probably influenced by European dresses and skirts. Most bindallis were long dresses, sometimes with matching fitted jackets and slippers. Their tailoring varied significantly through the 19th and early 20th centuries reflecting changes in fashion.