This is a reproduction of a Civil War/Victorian 1857 Promenade dress. The original was worn by the wife of a Wisconsin State Congressman. This dress is newly sewn by me and is constructed from period patterns. You are sure to shine in this eye-catching gown!
The fabric is an ivory background with a fine black floral paisley design in 100% cotton. The bodice of this dress is trimmed with black fringe and beautiful cobalt blue velvet ribbon. All of the ribbon and fringe is sewn on by hand, so that there are no visible stitches. The pagoda sleeves and sleeve jockeys are trimmed with the same fringe and ribbon as the bodice. The sleeves are lined with solid black 100% cotton. The bodice closes with handsewn hooks and eyes and has buttons for ornamentation.
The bodice is
completely lined in very soft 100% white cotton, including the sleeves. There are
sleeve facings of red taffeta, so that no sign of the lining is
visible, but the lined sleeves make such a difference in the way that
the sleeves look on this garment. The bodice closes with handsewn hooks
and eyes. There are 9 small black buttons down the front of the bodice, which set of the braid very nicely.
The
dress is shown on a dress form with a bust measurement of 46 inches and
a waist measurement of 36 1/2 inches. The dress is displayed over a 6-bone
hoopskirt, which is not included. The skirt measures 45 inches at the center front from waist to the bottom. The skirt is unhemmed,
but I will hem the skirt to your careful measurement for a
slight additional fee if you are the winning bidder. The skirt can be
hemmed as short as 41 inches without compromising the integrity of the
braid work. The skirt has a
generous 176 inch sweep, and is slightly longer in the back,
which gives the appearance of a slight train. This
is a period correct method for setting the skirt onto the
waistband, and gives the overall outfit very graceful lines. The skirt
fastens in the back with a hook and bar closure, and the opening is
completely hidden by the peplum, so there is no danger of your
undergarments showing.
***
All fabric is 100% cotton, and was pre-washed before this outfit was made so that no
shrinkage should occur.
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