IT is known simply as "the dress" and during the past 100 years it has been the centrepiece for at least seven brides on their wedding day.

Created by Emily Kern for her wedding in 1907 the satin and princess lace bridal gown has become a family tradition for her descendants in North Carolina. It is not known how many brides have worn the garment, but the initials of seven are stitched into the lining, from the first wedding in 1907 to the present day.

"There is something magical about it," said Pat Kaufmann who wore the dress in 1974.

"Each bride has a different height and shape, but the dress always looks beautiful," she said.

Over the years many changes have been made to the dress and there are rips, tears and stains. But serious damage has been avoided thanks to a family tradition of assigning a guardian, known as the "keeper of the dress".

The dress seems to be lucky, because every woman who has been married in it has remained married.

Emily's great-great niece, Hayes Swinney, was the most recent recipient.

"I really liked the idea of being part of a legacy," she said. "It looks different in every photo, as if each person married in it has given it their own touch."

The dress will now head to New York where three young family members are next in line to be married.