Wedding Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Julia E. Hickox
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
DateJune 1860
MediumHand-stitched silk and cotton, with linen (?) lace, baleen boning, and brass hooks and eyes
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 58 1/2 x 17 1/2in. (148.6 x 44.5cm)
Hem (circumference): 142in. (360.7cm)
Hem (circumference): 142in. (360.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Cynthia Baldwin-Thanos
DescriptionSheer ecru silk organdy wedding dress, with a wide neckline and dropped shoulderline. The bodice fabric is gathered in three rows of stitching for 4 1/2 inches across the center front at the waistline, and then the fullness is released, so that the organdy is puffy over the smooth lining fabric. The bodice back is similarly gathered. The waistline is round and slightly high (six inches in length on the sides, under the armscye seam). The bodice closes at center back with brass hooks and eyes. The coat-shaped sleeves are made of ecru tulle, with two gathered flounces of the organdy creating a separate cap at the top. Running down the length of the sleeve is a one-inch-wide band of bias-cut, polished white cotton, centered with an ecru satin ribbon. Another band of the polished cotton creates a cuff at the wrist, edged with blonde lace. Narrow blonde lace edges the neckline, which is finished with self-covered piping, as are the armscye seams and waistline edge. The bodice is lined with plain-woven white cotton. The lining is fitted with four seven-inch darts extending from the waistline in front. These darts are boned, probably with baleen.
The skirt is closely gathered around the waistline. A 7 1/2-inch wide tuck is taken mid-way down the length of the skirt. The hem is also 7 1/2 inches deep. The skirt is unlined.
The skirt is closely gathered around the waistline. A 7 1/2-inch wide tuck is taken mid-way down the length of the skirt. The hem is also 7 1/2 inches deep. The skirt is unlined.
Object number1988.7.4.1
On View
Not on view