Wedding Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Fannie Abigail Tibbals
(American, born 1854)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date9 September 1884
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with wool hem tape, faux pearl buttons, and unidentified boning
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (front length x width across shoulders): 51 x 14 1/2in. (129.5 x 36.8cm)
Other (waist circumference): 22in. (55.9cm)
Hem (hem circumference): 107in. (271.8cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Helen W. Simonds
Object number1976.53.3
DescriptionWoman's wedding dress of ecru ribbed silk. The bodice is constructed with a low, square neckline edged with a ruffle of needlerun net lace. The center front opening fastens with thirteen faux pearl buttons. The three-quarter-length sleeves are tight and end in turned-back lace flounces. The sleeve fabric is gathered at the elbow into the seam along the back of the arm to provide ease. The bodice, which extends to the hips and is pointed at center front, is fitted with two ten-inch-long darts on each side of the front. The back is sewn in six panels to create a close fit. The front darts and side seams are boned. The bodice is lined with twill-woven cream-colored cotton. Dress shields of knitted cotton are mounted inside the underarm seams.
The skirt (which is constructed separately from the bodice) is sewn over the back of the bodice in decorative pleats creating a bustle effect, while the front of the skirt remains separate from the bodice. The skirt is open along the side seams for the top seven inches. The front of the skirt is stitched to a waistband which extends beyond this front panel and is long enough to fasten around the waist. The front panel of the skirt is constructed of tiers of needlerun net lace. Side panels of the ribbed silk are pleated up into the side seams, creating a draped pannier effect reminiscent of eighteenth-century fashion. A pleated ruffle encircles the bottom of the skirt, and wool hem tape finishes the bottom edge. The skirt is lined with plain-woven cotton; the bottom 5 1/4 inches are additionally lined with stiff, plain-woven cotton or linen. Elastic tapes inside the back of the skirt control the skirt's fullness, keeping it smooth and narrow in front and full in the back.
The skirt (which is constructed separately from the bodice) is sewn over the back of the bodice in decorative pleats creating a bustle effect, while the front of the skirt remains separate from the bodice. The skirt is open along the side seams for the top seven inches. The front of the skirt is stitched to a waistband which extends beyond this front panel and is long enough to fasten around the waist. The front panel of the skirt is constructed of tiers of needlerun net lace. Side panels of the ribbed silk are pleated up into the side seams, creating a draped pannier effect reminiscent of eighteenth-century fashion. A pleated ruffle encircles the bottom of the skirt, and wool hem tape finishes the bottom edge. The skirt is lined with plain-woven cotton; the bottom 5 1/4 inches are additionally lined with stiff, plain-woven cotton or linen. Elastic tapes inside the back of the skirt control the skirt's fullness, keeping it smooth and narrow in front and full in the back.
Status
Not on view
Object/Object
