Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1891-1892
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with non-ferrous metal hooks, eyes, and buckle, wool hem tape, and baleen boning
DimensionsComponent (bodice length x width across shoulders): 20 x 13 3/4in. (50.8 x 34.9cm)
Component (skirt hem circumference x center back length): 75 1/4 x 43 1/2in. (191.1 x 110.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Carolyn B. Taylor
Object number1959.31.7a,b
DescriptionWoman's afternoon dress consisting of a bodice (.a) and a skirt (.b), made of pale lavender silk faille and cream-colored silk faille with lavender satin-woven stripes. The bodice has a V-shaped neckline filled in with a gathered strip of sheer, very pale lavender organza. The lavender faille of the bodice is pleated at the shoulders down to the dipped center front waist. The center front of the bodice, between the edges of lavender faille, is filled with the striped cream and lavender silk overlaid with ruched pale lavender organza. The elbow-length sleeves are very full at the top, being gathered into the shoulder and pleated into the cuff above the elbow; the fullness is tacked to the sleeve lining at intervals. The shoulderline is dropped in the back of the bodice. The lavender faille is folded into a V-shape, filled by the striped silk at the center back. The center back waistline is pointed. The back of the neck is edged with ruched organza and decorated with a lavender faille bow. The bodice is fitted with eight pattern pieces across the back, and with two eight-inch-long darts on each side of the front. The center front opening fastens with hooks and eyes. The bodice is lined with plain, white cotton. The seam edges are bound with silk tape; all seams and darts are boned. The cream-colored silk/cotton ribbon petersham fastens with a metal buckle.
The gored skirt, which is made of the cream and lavender striped silk, is eased into the narrow waistband across the front and over the hips, and gathered across the center back. The center back opening extends 9 1/2 inches and fastens with a hook and eye at the waistband; an extension of the silk behind the opening also fastens with a hook and eye. There is an in-seam pocket to the right of the center back opening. The skirt is lined with plain, white cotton, and the inside of the hem is edged with slightly ruffled lavender wool hem tape.
The gored skirt, which is made of the cream and lavender striped silk, is eased into the narrow waistband across the front and over the hips, and gathered across the center back. The center back opening extends 9 1/2 inches and fastens with a hook and eye at the waistband; an extension of the silk behind the opening also fastens with a hook and eye. There is an in-seam pocket to the right of the center back opening. The skirt is lined with plain, white cotton, and the inside of the hem is edged with slightly ruffled lavender wool hem tape.
Status
Not on view
