Amazing, Belle Époque velvet gown from 1902! This is a 2-piece dress of midnight blue velvet decorated with cluny lace and metal soutache. The bodice has a ballet neckline; elbow-length velvet sleeves with cluny lace and, attached lower sleeves of silk chiffon flounce, crystal pleated, and finished with velvet binding. A black, silk tulle bow at each elbow; black silk tulle swag across the back. Bodice has hook and eye closures at the back; a creme silk lining with a undertrimming and boning, both common details to this style. The label on the petersham ribbon reads: Abraham & Straus, Brooklyn, New York ~ Paris and was custom tailored for Mrs. H. F. Noyes, 11/14/02.
The skirt fits smoothly over the hips; cut longer and fuller in the back forming a graceful train. Detailed with a metal soutache "vine" that encircles the skirt and climbs vertically up the right leg ; pleated, scalloped silk ruffle peaks out along the bottom hem. The skirt is pleated near the bottom to control the fullness of the fabric. The skirt has heavy duty, hook and eye closures at the waist; an attached lining in black taffeta and a series of weights near the train.
Best fits an Extra Small or Small. Garment measurements are taken flat, doubled where appropriate:
BODICE
B 34"
W 26" with a 24" petersham ribbon
L 15" from shoulder to waist
Shoulders 15"
Sleeves 23", 8" velvet and 15" silk
SKIRT
W 25"
L 40" at front
Almost excellent and all original condition. There are a small stains in the velvet at the right sleeve; there is some splitting in the pleats of the flounces at the sleeves; the tulle at one sleeve is worn and the tulle swag is partially torn; the bodice lining has some shattering; some hand stitching to the bodice side seam. The skirt is excellent.
See our Sizing Guide for the Best Fit.