Not
your usual Zouave jacket! This is not your normal Zouave jacket which
can be somewhat boxy and accentuate the size of a plus size female.
This jacket is semi-fitted, and helps to create the desired look of a
small waist. This is a reproduction
of a Civil War/Victorian 1860's era Zouave jacket and skirt. This
outfit is newly sewn
by me and is constructed from authentic period patterns (based on
actual garments from the period). This beautiful ensemble would be
perfectly for church on Sunday, an afternoon tea, or a stroll around
the shops.
The fabrics used on this outfit are a beautiful
black with charcoal gray paisley and a solid burgundy contrast fabric.
The jacket is trimmed with burgundy braid. The ensemble is shown on a
dress form with a bust
measurement of 48 inches and a waist measurement of 42 inches. Please
note that due to the "forgiving" nature of the Zouave jacket that this
outfit will fit up to a 52 inch bust, and the skirt can fit up to a 44
inch waist with the simple change of moving the bar. The
skirt is displayed over a 6-bone hoopskirt, which is not included. The
skirt measures 42 inches at the center front from waist to the hem.
This dress is unhemmed, and is slightly longer in
the back to give a more graceful appearance. This is a period correct
method for hemming a dress of this type as it allows the skirt to fall
gracefully over the hips and not ride up in the back. The skirt has a
generous 158 inch sweep. The skirt is trimmed with two wide bands of
solid
burgundy to complement the burgundy braid used on the jacket.
The
blouse is solid white 100% cotton. It buttons down the front with
genuine mother of pearl buttons and hand-sewn
buttonholes. The cuffs also fasten with genuine mother of pearl buttons
and hand-sewn buttonholes. All of the finish work
on this blouse is done by hand (hemming, facing, collar attachment), so
this blouse will stand up to the most rigorous inspection.
The
jacket is completely
lined with the same burgundy cotton which trims the skirt. This will
help the jacket to retain it's
shape and style for a long time to come. The pagoda sleeves are lined
with the solid burgundy as well. The sleeves are trimmed with the same
burgundy braid as the rest of the jacket.
The skirt fastens in the
back with a hook and
bar closure.
*** Only 100% cotton has
been used to give breathability to the fabric in hot weather. All
fabric was pre-washed before this outfit was made so that no shrinkage
should occur.
