Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
S. Huston
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1890
MediumBodice (.a): Machine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with mother of pearl buttons.
Skirt (.b): Machine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with mother of pearl button.
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width across shoulders): 22 1/2 x 12 1/2in. (57.2 x 31.8cm)
Skirt (hem circumference x center back length): 78 x 40 1/2in. (198.1 x 102.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1986.233.0a,b
DescriptionWoman's dress of corded white cotton fabric, woven like marseilles (or "marcella"), consisting of a bodice (.a) and a skirt (.b). The bodice has a high, round neckline with a 2-inch-high band collar. Seventeen dome-shaped mother of pearl buttons fasten the center front opening. The bodice front, back, and collar are decorated with white soutache braid laid out in a meandering pattern suggestive of foliage. The sleeves have an upper and lower seam and are tightly fitted. They are decorated at the back of the wrist opening with soutache. The bodice is fitted in front with two 9 1/2-inch-long darts on each side; the back is cut in six pieces to achieve a close fit. The lower edge of the front is slightly rounded, and the back is pointed; the center back seam is vented 5 1/2 inches. The bodice is unlined; the lower edge is faced with a 7/8-inch strip of bias cotton. There is no boning.
The skirt is smooth in front and around the hips; it is cartridge-pleated across the back. The center back opening extends for fourteen inches and fastens with a single mother of pearl button on the 1 1/2-inch-wide waistband. The front of the skirt is decorated with soutache braid laid out in a symmetrical arabesque foliate design. It continues around the bottom of the skirt for a depth of 11 1/2 inches in a palmette design. The skirt is unlined. The back of the skirt has two horizontal casings with drawstrings for pulling the fullness of the skirt towards the back.
The skirt is smooth in front and around the hips; it is cartridge-pleated across the back. The center back opening extends for fourteen inches and fastens with a single mother of pearl button on the 1 1/2-inch-wide waistband. The front of the skirt is decorated with soutache braid laid out in a symmetrical arabesque foliate design. It continues around the bottom of the skirt for a depth of 11 1/2 inches in a palmette design. The skirt is unlined. The back of the skirt has two horizontal casings with drawstrings for pulling the fullness of the skirt towards the back.
Status
Not on view
