Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Violet Teens Era Dress









From the seller:
Wonderful Victorian Purple Silk Dress and Coat with Embroidery and Faceted Buttons!

This gorgeous set was sold to me (along with another dress) as civil war era clothing. Though I don't believe it is, it is still very old. I've never come across the mesh treatment at the neckline and at the sleeves. It is a very well made and high quality garment. Must have been an expensive purchase when bought new! Truly very beautiful!

It is a purple silk dress with separate coat. Both are decorated with a darker purple floral embroidery. The beads that decorate the coat (over 100 on just the coat) and dress are shiny, black faceted beads. I have not tested them for jet but I would not be surprised if they were. Very fancy!

On the dress, there is a long panel that runs down the front from the neckline to the hem. It contains the embroidery. There are four rows of pleats that run across the side of the skirt to the back where the decorated panel is mostly repeated. The panel on the back also conceals the hook and eye closure. It is lined in cotton with light boning.

The mesh sleeves and neckline are two layers of net. An off white, fine gauge net underneath with a larger gauge purple net over the top. The netted neckline is trimmed with a thin border of patterned fabric.

The coat is lavishly embroidered down the front with more black beads. It is split down the back from the waistline to the hem and decorated with the embroiderey and beads. The hem is weighted in four places to help it hang just perfectly. I assume the split is to accomidate a bustle, but I could be wrong. It is in fantastic condition and could be worn if the lining was replaced. The lining, unfortunately, is completely shattered.

The dress would need much restoration to be worn. it is a stunning display or addition to your collection. There are 3 areas of holes on the back of the skirt. The large ones are pictured. There are some breaks to the purple mesh of both sleeves and a couple at the neckline. The lining is torn.

Dress measures 36" bust, 30" waist, 55" shoulder to hem. Coat it 17 inches from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 19.5 inches Shoulder to cuff.

I am happy to answer any questions. Please visit my other auctions to see another interesting victorian dress!



From Me:

I've got to ask...am I the only one that would love to see "Cousin Violet" wear this in Downtown Abbey season 4 just so I can scream the TV and say "Violet! You're turning violet, Violet!" Yes? Oh well...

Not Victorian - definitely no bustle- instead this is a lovely example of the Teens Era and most likely for a more matronly woman.

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