Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Alice Cheever Lyon
American, 1854 - 1922
Dateabout 1880
Mediumsilk, glass
DimensionsBodice (Center Back Length x Waist Circumference): 24 × 23in. (61 × 58.4cm)
Skirt: 58 × 26in. (147.3 × 66cm)
Skirt: 58 × 26in. (147.3 × 66cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of the Museum of the City of New York
DescriptionPink ribbed silk dress, c. 1880, worn by Alice Cheever Lyon (1854-1922) of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The dress is composed of the (a) bodice and (b) skirt, both are constructed of silk faille and are heavily embellished.
(a) The bodice has a v-shaped neckline. The front of the bodice ends in a point while the back has looped fabric details. It is heavily boned to create a fashionable shape. The bodice is decorated with glass beads around the collar, and framing the button closures and is lace with a floral motif at the neckline. The sleeves are three-quarter length and have horizontal pleated details. There are glass bead decorations at the cuff with lace extending from the cuffs.
(b) The skirt is designed to be worn with a bustle. The overskirt extends down the front sides of the underskirt to create the appearance of a petticoat with an open skirt and features a slight train. The overskirt is decorated with glass beads and fringe, the underside of the train portion of the overskirt is decorated with lace. The underskirt features four horizontal panels decorated with ruched pink silk, the lowest tier features three horizontal runs of beaded fringe to match the overskirt.
(a) The bodice has a v-shaped neckline. The front of the bodice ends in a point while the back has looped fabric details. It is heavily boned to create a fashionable shape. The bodice is decorated with glass beads around the collar, and framing the button closures and is lace with a floral motif at the neckline. The sleeves are three-quarter length and have horizontal pleated details. There are glass bead decorations at the cuff with lace extending from the cuffs.
(b) The skirt is designed to be worn with a bustle. The overskirt extends down the front sides of the underskirt to create the appearance of a petticoat with an open skirt and features a slight train. The overskirt is decorated with glass beads and fringe, the underside of the train portion of the overskirt is decorated with lace. The underskirt features four horizontal panels decorated with ruched pink silk, the lowest tier features three horizontal runs of beaded fringe to match the overskirt.
Object number2018.80.0a-b
Subject Terms
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