Crazy 1890's Dress

From the seller:

This black and seafoam print gown is from the late 1890's. The print is very unusual with its horizontal stripes. The bodice is boned and closes in front with eye hooks. There is a high collar covered with black lace and bow at back. The bodice has 2 layers , the inside part ha the striped material from the back coming around to the front. In the center is the seafoam silk which has sewn in ruffles and black lace up the middle . On one side is beading.I think is missing on the right side. This part is covered by the seafoam silk that is covered in black tulle and is covered with tiny black beads sewn together to look like tiny flowers. This looks like a vest , it also has a large bow which is supposed to attach to the other side. I have it pinned as the eye hook is missing, only threads are there. There is an attached waist band matching the beaded tulle and trimmed with beading.This waist band is in very good condition with a slight spotting seen inon the silk under the tulle. Inside the bodice is 15 stays. There is an attached petersham and underarm padding. The inside silk is finished nicely. There is damage to the bodice holes in the tulle netting- mostly on the right side at at back shoulder and the seafoam silk is shattering badly at the right top and down middle front - lots of splits.The measurements of the bodice is bust 34 waist 24 inches across back at shoulder is 11.5 and underarms in back is 15.5. The skirt has 8 gores and is lined with black polished cotton. At the hem of lining is black silk ruffle and velvet. The skirt silk is strong with no holes or split but there are about 3 areas of a light discoloration only noticed upon close inspection. the waist measure 24 inches and it is 45 inches from the bottom of the waistband. The print on the bodice is also strong with no damage. The seafoam is partially hidden except for the very middle. Maybe it could be covered with tulle and the damaged tulle amy be able to be replace. This would make an excellent dispay gown.



From Me:

The colors are eh but oh my! The mixing and matching of patterns and the piecing? Totally wild! Stripes, lace, beading, plain silk - it's all mixed and mashed right on the bodice. Very cool looking dress.