Sunday, May 1, 2016

Sunny Yellow 1890's Ball Gown


From the seller:

A stunning Belle Epoch 1890’s vivid yellow silk ball gown dress. The dress was originally worn by Amanda Evelyn Brower Hewitt. She was married to Thomas Hewitt of North Stonington, CT. They were listed on the Long Island Social Register. The label reads Barretts, 79 East 31stSt. New York. The bodice has leg of mutton styled sleeve that are decorated with cascading yellow silk chiffon. It is lined with silk and has a front hook and eye closure. The bodice comes with a separate lace neck piece. The skirt has open side panels and a long back train. The front hemline is decorated with black beading. The skirt is lined with beige silk and cotton. The dress is in very good and sturdy condition. There is no underarm discoloration an no splits or holes. The shoulders have been enlarged and it appears to have beading on the front waist at one time. There are 3 circle spots on the side of the skirt and some light soiling from being packed away for so many years and a few loose seams that will need minor re-stitching. There are a few missing hooks and eyes on the front waist. Bust 34 Waist 24 Front skirt length 41 Back length 57.

From Me:

I've had a fascination with the color yellow lately in historic dress and I blame the Dreamstress for it. It's her favorite color and I can see why with this dress. (In full confession, I'm also making a 1510's Venetian Yellow linen dress right now that I have already dubbed pink lemonade. By the end of the week, anyone on my personal blog should see why. Working with yellow is feeding the fascination...)

1893 Fashion Plate


The above is a day dress but I choose it because it shows the fitted waist with the gathered upper part of the bodice. This yellow extant dress is from about the same time period.

2 comments:

  1. Something must be in the air because I'm not the only one who has made, or is making, a yellow historical dress. http://timetravelingincostume.blogspot.com/2016/04/1908-marigold-yellow-dress-and-all-warts.html
    Val

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  2. Between the sleeves, the wide skirt, and the color, I'd feel like I was wearing a big daffodil. Don't get me wrong, I like daffodils. But yellow is not a great color on me.

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