Monday, February 11, 2013

Natural Form Gown













From the seller:

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AS THERE ARE MANY PHOTOS WHICH ARE PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. This auction is for a magnificent two piece orginal Victorian 1880s era two piece ball gown created with luxurious gold brocade silk satin, solid very pale grey satin and muted copper faille. The photos are the major part of the description. The boned waistcinched bodice has a revealing plunging neckline; however my mannequin does not have a bust to show this. Lined inside with a built in camisole; the gorgoeus ruched center panel is attached to the right side of the bodice thus the hook and eyeside closure. The bodice is completely piped with macthing pale grey satin, the three quarter sleeves are now adorned with wide cotton crochet lace and a ruffled grey satin cuff. The back panels tails are paneled cut to flow down over the bustled skirt. The bodice is quite lovely, however the skirt is the highlight of the ensemble, the detailing is quite stunning as you can see in the photos. The smocked / ruched front center panel is meticulously sewn with each side of the brocade panels being vertically gathered. One side has a very large rosette that matches to the train and hem border. A fuller bustle would be more evident if the bodice is tighter fitting to the model, it could actually be more like the typical shelf like pads of the era. The wide hemline border is box pleats that are various sizes; one can only imagine how a seamstress could have sewn these so meticulously. The long train of course matches to the front pleats with 3 graduated rows of tight smocking in the center. A reception gown that is in very good condition, one the side waist is signs of possibly water marks but the bodice covers it almost inconspicuous. The underarms have organic marks as can be expected for a ballgown that was once worn while waltzing and the hemline has some wear. Overall in superb condition, a perfect gown to be worn as it is a human size and extraordinary for display. Measurements are taken laying flat,closed and across" Bodice - 35" bust,15.5" shoulder seam to seam, 25" waist Skirt waist 26" front top of waistband to hem is 46", back top of waistband to hem of train is 58". A superb example of the opulent 1880s era, a true reminder of the vintag film AGE OF INNOCENCE! Happy Bidding!


From Me:

This stunning beauty is from the Natural Form era - or, basically, the late 1870's/early 1880's. Given the neckline, I'm thinking earlier rather than later. Very, very lovely.

2 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I wish the photos were a bit clearer. It's so clearly a lovely piece with a ton of detail that I don't think comes out quite as ravishing as it really is. ..Just remember to clean up the drool before moving on to the next gown. :-)

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