Wedding Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Harriette L. Moore
(American, born 1869)
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1892-1893
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with brass hooks and eyes, unidentified boning (probably baleen), and rubber (?)
DimensionsBodice (center back length x width between shoulders): 20 3/4 x 11in. (52.7 x 27.9cm)
Skirt (center back length): 68 1/2in. (174cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Harriette Harrison
Object number1960.77.4a,b
DescriptionWoman's dress, possibly for a wedding, consisting of a bodice (.a) and a skirt (.b), made of cream-colored silk moire. The bodice has a round neckline, with a 2 1/2-inch-high standing collar of pleated moire which wraps around to the back and fastens with hooks and eyes under a large bow. Cream-colored silk organza is ruched at the center front, bordered by pleated self-fabric, extending in a V from the pointed center front waist edge to the shoulders. These pleated self-fabric bands cross each other at the bottom and hook on opposite sides of the center front opening. The bodice has large leg-o'-mutton sleeves which taper to a tight wrist; they are covered at the shoulders with a ruffled drapery of the sheer organza. The waist is pointed at the center back as well as the front; it is encircled by a pleated band of the moire, which extends beyond the center front to hook at the proper left side under a bow made of the organza with a moire center. The back of the bodice is similarly designed, with a triangular inset of ruched organza bordered with pleated moire. The center front opening fastens with brass hooks and eyes; a strip of the moire is stitched along the proper left side, extending under the fastening. The bodice is fitted with two nine-inch-long darts on each side of the front, while the back is made of six pattern pieces to achieve a close fit. All seams and darts are boned; seam allowances are bound with silk tape. The lining is cream-colored cotton sateen. A petersham is mounted at the center back and encircles the waist, hooking at center front. There are dress shields lined with rubber (probably) mounted inside the underarm seam.
The trained skirt is made entirely of the moire. It is slightly gathered across the front and closely gathered across the back into the piped edge which acts as a waistband. The center back opening extends 9 3/4 inches and fastens with two sets of large brass hooks and eyes, mounted one behind the other. The skirt has a stiff interlining (probably starched cotton), and a lining of plain, white cotton. A ruffle of scalloped cream-colored silk (a "balayeuse") is stitched inside the hem.
The trained skirt is made entirely of the moire. It is slightly gathered across the front and closely gathered across the back into the piped edge which acts as a waistband. The center back opening extends 9 3/4 inches and fastens with two sets of large brass hooks and eyes, mounted one behind the other. The skirt has a stiff interlining (probably starched cotton), and a lining of plain, white cotton. A ruffle of scalloped cream-colored silk (a "balayeuse") is stitched inside the hem.
Status
Not on view
