Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Mary Gray Morris
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1892-1893
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched wool and cotton, with steel boning, hooks and eyes, and glass buttons
DimensionsComponent (hem circumference x length x width across shoulders): 107 x 53 1/4 x 11in. (271.8 x 135.3 x 27.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Dorothy Clift Moore
Object number1964.38.1
DescriptionWoman's tea gown of cream-colored lightweight wool challis, printed with sprigs of blue flowers. The gown has a standing band collar, 1 7/8 inches wide, and a V-shaped neckline insert of ruched silk in a color similar to the challis. The base of the neckline insert is decorated in the back with a silk moire bow. The large, leg-o'-mutton sleeves are overlaid on the shoulders with six-inch-wide wings that are gathered into the seam with the neckline insert. The sleeves, which are very full at the top, taper to a narrow wrist. The front of the dress is gathered and falls straight to the hem; the center back of the dress is similarly constructed. However, while the dress appears to be loose-fitting, it is actually closely fitted by bodice piecing and darts, along with the structure of the bodice lining, which is boned in all the seams. The center front opening of the dress extends 21 1/4 inches and fastens with glass buttons in the lining, and with hooks and eyes in the area of the neckline insert and collar. The front fullness of the dress is controlled by a tan-colored silk ribbon belt tied with a large non-functioning bow, which hooks together on the proper left side. The bottom of the skirt is edged with a 2 1/2-inch deep self-fabric ruffle. The lining of the bodice is tan cotton. The skirt lining is plain, white cotton. The skirt lining, which is separate from the skirt except at the seams, has a facing of the printed challis around the bottom.
Status
Not on view
