Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Misses Keefe Robes
(American)
Dateabout 1885
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with cotton, paper, and wire faux flowers, glass beads and faux pearls, brass hooks and other metal hooks and eyes, baleen boning, silk twill tape, and machine-made bobbin-type lace
DimensionsBodice (center back length x with across shoulders): 18 x 17in. (45.7 x 43.2cm)
Skirt (center front length): 44 1/2in. (113cm)
Skirt (center back length): 72in. (182.9cm)
Hem (circumference): 153in. (388.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the Mark Twain House
Object number1995.58.2a,b
DescriptionWoman's evening dress of ecru finely ribbed silk and cisele silk, consisting of a separate bodice (.a) and skirt (.b). The bodice is sleeveless and has a low, square neckline. The center front and center back of the bodice are pointed at the waistline. The center front of the bodice is inset with ecru cisele silk (satin with a woven looped design) with a scattered pattern of a single flower. The inset is trimmed on the edges with white glass cylindrical beads and faux pearls. The neckline is edged with a narrow collar of the cisele silk. The center front opening of the bodice fastens with brass hooks and thread-covered metal eyes. A bunch of faux daisy-like flowers is mounted on each shoulder. The bodice is lined with white twill-woven cotton. All of the seams and darts are boned with baleen. The raw edges of the seams are finished with a whip stitch. A moire silk ribbon petersham, stamped with the maker's label, is mounted at the waistline.
The skirt has a long train. The center front is a flared panel of the cisele silk, edged with a wide pleat of the plain silk trimmed with the white beads and faux pearls. The bottom edge of this front panel is trimmed with the faux flowers. The back of the skirt is fitted into the waistband with layered box pleats. The skirt is lined with stiff, starched cotton. A pleated ruffle edged with lace is stitched inside the skirt's hem. The skirt opens behind the proper left hip; it is fastened with a hook and eye.
The skirt has a long train. The center front is a flared panel of the cisele silk, edged with a wide pleat of the plain silk trimmed with the white beads and faux pearls. The bottom edge of this front panel is trimmed with the faux flowers. The back of the skirt is fitted into the waistband with layered box pleats. The skirt is lined with stiff, starched cotton. A pleated ruffle edged with lace is stitched inside the skirt's hem. The skirt opens behind the proper left hip; it is fastened with a hook and eye.
Status
Not on view
