Dress
Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by
Kittie Holcombe
American
Clothing MakerMade by
C. Walsh
American
Dateabout 1892
MediumDress (.a): Machine-stitched and hand-stitched cotton, with metal hooks and eyes and baleen boning.
Sash (.b): Cotton thread and glass beads, and unidentified base material.
DimensionsComponent (dress length x width across shoulders): 77 x 14 1/4in. (195.6 x 36.2cm)
Component (length of sash as it is currently knotted): 26in. (66cm)
Component (length of sash as it is currently knotted): 26in. (66cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Sumner Shepherd
DescriptionWoman's evening dress of black velvet (.a) with a heavy beaded cord sash (.b). The bodice of the dress has been altered by adding an inset of matching fabric down the center front opening, which fastens with hooks and eyes. The original opening fastened with buttons, as buttonholes are stitched along the proper right side of the bodice (these have now been sewn shut). Loose threads along the opening indicate that a lace trimming covering the new closure has been removed. The neckline is V-shaped at front and back. The short sleeves are pleated into the armscye and into the sleeve lining, which is shorter than the sleeve, so that it pulls the sleeve up into a puff. The bodice is fitted with a single dart on each side of the front and with six pattern pieces across the back. The lining of the bodice is twill-woven silk. All seams and darts are boned. A petersham is stitched at the inside waist.
The back of the skirt is cut one with the back of the bodice; the seams of the bodice continue into pleats at the back of the skirt, which extends into a train. The skirt is smooth across the front. The bottom of the skirt is bordered with two ruched strips of self-fabric. The skirt is lined with plain, brown cotton. The inside of the hem is edged with a pleated ruffle of the lining material, trimmed with black machine-made lace.
The sash (.b) is constructed of a thick, round cord covered in faceted black beads. The cord is tied in a knot near one end--it is not clear if this is an original treatment. Each end of the cord terminates in large tassels made of three balls of graduated sizes, covered in beads. Smaller beaded balls hang from the large balls. Two of the large balls are missing from one end of the sash.
The back of the skirt is cut one with the back of the bodice; the seams of the bodice continue into pleats at the back of the skirt, which extends into a train. The skirt is smooth across the front. The bottom of the skirt is bordered with two ruched strips of self-fabric. The skirt is lined with plain, brown cotton. The inside of the hem is edged with a pleated ruffle of the lining material, trimmed with black machine-made lace.
The sash (.b) is constructed of a thick, round cord covered in faceted black beads. The cord is tied in a knot near one end--it is not clear if this is an original treatment. Each end of the cord terminates in large tassels made of three balls of graduated sizes, covered in beads. Smaller beaded balls hang from the large balls. Two of the large balls are missing from one end of the sash.
Object number1965.23.4a,b
MarkingsPrinted petersham stitched into the waist, "C. Walsh/ HARTFORD/ CONN."NotesHistorical Notes: According to a tag that accompanied the dress, Kittie Holcombe wore this dress at a Legation in China, a diplomatic affair.On View
Not on view
