~ Elegant Civil War / Taffeta Velvet and Lace Victorian Ball Gown with Hair Ornament - SASS ~

You are bidding on a reproduction of a Civil War/Victorian 1860's era ball gown. This dress is newly sewn by me and is constructed from authentic period patterns (based on actual garments from the period). This two piece dress would be perfectly for any formal event including balls, dances and weddings.

The fabric is a beautiful rose silk blend taffeta, black rose lace, and 100% cotton velvet. The dress is shown on a dress form with a bust measurement of 49 inches and a waist measurement of 47 inches. The dress 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 176 inch sweep. I will hem this dress for the winning bidder if desired.

The bodice closes with hand sewn hooks and eyes. The collar is the same rose taffeta as the skirt, and is embellished with a braided scallop treatment that echoes the scalloped edge of the lace on the skirt, giving you a beautifully detailed and coordinated look. The bottom edge of the bodice and the puffed sleeves are also edged in black braid that has the appearance of little rosettes. The bottom of the sleeves have a sewn on velvet band NOT elastic, so this dress maintains its period correctness. The bodice is lined with 100% cotton muslin.

The headdress is a period correct hair ornamentation that is the perfect accompaniment to this gown. It is created with the same lace as the overskirt, black and pink satin ribbons, and period looking "paper" roses. There's no plastic in the flowers.. All of this is handstitched, and then securely fastened to a hair comb. Just style your hair, tuck the comb into the top of your chignon or bun, and it will stay in place. The comb is completely covered by the ornamentation, so no worries about the correctness of your impression.

Back to my designs