From the seller:
DESCRIPTION
Genuine antique blouse from the Victorian era, estimated 1800s to early 1900s. Midnight blue velvet bodice. Buttons have amazing detail. Huge sheer lace bell sleeves, which are very long at 30”. Unusual fringe around bottom hem and back collar. Interior boning. Long square collar in back with different fabric underneath. The bodice, fringe, collar and buttons are definitely from the Victorian era but it looks like the lace was added more recently, it’s in very good shape and the stitching is different. There are also odd openings under the sleeves in the pit areas; not holes, but it looks like the fabric just wasn't sewn together. There are a couple small tears in the velvet and other age related flaws, such as damage to the neckline and fringe. Please see photos for best description. Overall this garment is sturdy for its age and still wearable.
MEASUREMENTS
All measurements are taken on a flat service, seam to seam. Bust, waist, and hips have been doubled for circumference…
Shoulders:14”
Sleeves:30”
Bust:32”
Waist:30”
Hips:32”
Length:28” including fringe
Inseam:***
Front Rise:***
Tag Size:***
Estimated Size:S/M
Label:***
Material:Velvet & Lace
Colors:Midnight Blue & Black
Condition:Age Related Flaws as Noted/Still Wearable
Garment is photographed on dress form with the following measurements…
Bust:34
Waist:22
Hips:33
Dress Size:8
~This item has been kept in a smoke and pet free environment~
From Me:
Oh yes, someone desecrated this otherwise beautiful piece - and recently too. The black lace was probably added when someone found out Grandma's old dress wouldn't fit them for the Halloween parade so why not just take it apart and add a panel. It's just a costume.... *sigh*
Luckily for us, the seller was awesome about taking pictures. Inside shots, detail shots, and front/back/side shots. I love the other fabric beneath the collar!
It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but is this shown with the buttons to be in the front?
ReplyDeleteI am guessing, not sure about the seams on the button side, they appear to curve to the armhole. Those seams would be the back of the bodice.
What a gorgeous bodice! And yes, such a shame that someone reworked it.
Yes, the buttons were the front of this piece. The collar piece went towards the back. It's hard to tell anymore due to the re-working.
Delete