Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1880
MediumMachine-stitched tussah silk (possibly mixed with cotton), silk satin, and cotton, with plastic buttons and wool tape
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center front length x width across shoulders): 53 1/2 x 14 1/4in. (135.9 x 36.2cm)
Hem (circumference): 143in. (363.2cm)
Hem (circumference): 143in. (363.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Calvin Bolles
DescriptionWoman's dress, possibly for maternity, of brown and white plaid tussah silk with a center front panel of dark purple satin. The neckline is high and round, with a 2 1/4-inch-wide turn-down collar of the purple satin. The front panel of satin continues from the neck to the hem; it is arranged in layered box pleats to about the waistline, which is large (about 44 inches), and then the fullness is released so that the center front of the skirt is full. The dress closes at center front with buttons in the separate brown twill-woven cotton lining; the satin panel hooks together over the lining. The sleeves are slightly gathered into the armscye seams, which fall at the natural shoulderline. The sleeve is cut with an upper and lower seam like a coat sleeve, and the fabric is gathered at the elbow into the seam that runs along the top of the arm. The sleeves end in turn-back cuffs of the purple satin. The back seams of the dress open into inverted box pleats below the waist to create fullness for the skirt. There is no boning in the seams. Dress shields of white cotton knit fabric are stitched in the underarm area. The skirt is lined with brown glazed cotton, and the bottom edge is finished with black wool tape.
Object number1960.4.1
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