A colorized photograph from the Vanderbilt archives depicting afternoon tea on the Loggia of Biltmore House, September 1900. From left: Edith Vanderbilt, Mademoiselle Rambaud (Edith Vanderbilt’s former chaperone), Lila Vanderbilt Webb (George Vanderbilt’s sister), Mary Webb (Lila Webb’s sister in law), Isabella Stewart Gardner, William Blodgett II, and George Vanderbilt.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
From left: Edith Vanderbilt, 1900; a reproduction of the 1900-era skirt and blouse worn by Edith Vanderbilt, created by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Bright and Cosprop, London.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Edith Vanderbilt in 1903, pictured with a detailed look at a reproduction of her dress by Cosprop, London.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Cornelia Vanderbilt, right, and cousin John Nicholas Brown in 1906.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
A recreation of clothing worn by Cornelia Vanderbilt.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Jay and Adele Burden honeymooned at Biltmore in June 1895. Adele was George Vanderbilt’s niece.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
From left: George Vanderbilt with Adele and Jay Burden; a reproduction of outfits worn by Adele and Jay Burden, stationed in the Salon in Biltmore House.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, George Vanderbilt’s sister, in 1900.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
A reproduction of Twombly’s butterfly dress, among other creations, in the Cosprop Studio.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
In the banquet hall, re-creations of Florence Vanderbilt Twombly’s butterfly dress and Hamilton Twombly’s white tie attire.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1898.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
In the tapestry gallery, ensembles the Vanderbilts wore in their engagement portraits, circa 1898.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
In the library, George Vanderbilt is dashing in a formal day suit, standing between Edith Vanderbilt, and writer Edith Wharton, a frequent guest at Biltmore House.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
A valet stands by in Mr. Vanderbilt’s room. He is there to assist Mr. Vanderbilt with his wardrobe for the day.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Edith Vanderbilt and head housekeeper Emily King met daily in the Oak Sitting Room to discuss and plan the day’s agenda and menus.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Couples gather in the third floor living hall, where guests staying in nearby bedrooms came here to relax, listen to music, and read before and after dinner. Depicted here are Lila Vanderbilt Sloane Field and William B. Osgood Field; Ernesto Fabbri and Edith Shepard Fabbri; Douglas Robinson Jr. and Corinne Roosevelt Robinson.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
The chef and cook prepare the evening’s gala meal in the Main Kitchen. The chef led a team of more than a dozen kitchen workers.
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
Photo: Courtesy of the Biltmore Estate
CJ Lotz Diego is Garden & Gun’s senior editor. A staffer since 2013, she wrote G&G’s bestselling Bless Your Heart trivia game, edits the Due South travel section, and covers gardens, books, and art. Originally from Eureka, Missouri, she graduated from Indiana University and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she tends a downtown pocket garden with her florist husband, Max.
