Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Amelia Kellogg
(American, born 1856)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1881
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with machine-embroidered eyelet lace, satin ribbon, silk thread-covered wooden (probably) buttons, and wool tape
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width across shoulders): 31 1/2 x 15in. (80 x 38.1cm)
Skirt (center front length): 43in. (109.2cm)
Skirt (center back length): 44 1/4in. (112.4cm)
Hem (circumference): 83in. (210.8cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Allan K. Smith
Object number1984.18.4a-b
DescriptionWoman's day dress of plum-colored silk faille, consisting of a bodice (a) and a skirt (b). The bodice extends over the hips; it is pointed at center front. The neckline is high and round, with a one-inch-wide standing band collar. The bodice opens at center front, and fastens with seventeen ball-shaped buttons covered with silk threadwork in a similar plum color. Plum-colored eyelet lace is stitched down the front of the bodice from the shoulders to the waistline. A plum-colored satin ribbon bow with long loops is mounted on the proper left side of the opening edge at the base of the eyelet lace, so that when the bodice is buttoned, the bow covers the bottom of this decorative treatment. The tight sleeves are cut with an upper and lower seam, and the wrist openings are cut in tabs faced with self-fabric. The bodice extends in a broad, double-pointed tab at center back, with eyelet lace pleated in a semicircle under the points. A satin bow of matching plum color is mounted over this center back extension. The bodice is lined with light brown polished cotton.
The skirt has apron-like drapery across the front, pleated up in the back, creating a low bustle. This drapery is edged with the plum-colored eyelet lace. A broad tier of pleated self-fabric is below the drapery; every third pleat is pleated up horizontally, creating a scalloped effect. A band of box pleats, then three narrower tiers of double-pleated self-fabric appear around the bottom of the skirt. The bottom edge of the skirt base is bound with wool tape. The skirt is lined with purple cotton. The waistband of brown cotton opens at center back and fastens with a single button (now missing). There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The fullness of the back of the skirt is controlled by a tape gathered within a casing of the lining fabric.
The skirt has apron-like drapery across the front, pleated up in the back, creating a low bustle. This drapery is edged with the plum-colored eyelet lace. A broad tier of pleated self-fabric is below the drapery; every third pleat is pleated up horizontally, creating a scalloped effect. A band of box pleats, then three narrower tiers of double-pleated self-fabric appear around the bottom of the skirt. The bottom edge of the skirt base is bound with wool tape. The skirt is lined with purple cotton. The waistband of brown cotton opens at center back and fastens with a single button (now missing). There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The fullness of the back of the skirt is controlled by a tape gathered within a casing of the lining fabric.
Status
Not on view
