Sunday, August 14, 2016

Part of an 1890's Bodice with Stunning Beadwork








From the seller:

This antique Victorian era Jarrett Baltimore label blue silk steel cut beaded ball gown bodice dates from the 1880s. It is made of a light blue silk damask weave floral pattern brocade fabric, with silver steel cut beading. This beautiful bodice top, has a high neck band collar with bow back trim accent, a shattered cream silk, net front insert, sleeveless, missing sleeves, a fitted waist with bow back, front trim, hook closures down the front and is fully lined with quality construction detailing, stays boning sewn inside. There is a "Jarrett 516 Charles St., North, Baltimore" dress label sewn inside the belted waistband. The bodice measures 17 inches long, with a 26 inch waist, 34 inch bust and 14 inch neck. It is in fair as-is condition needing some restoration and would be great for design. There are some loose missing beads, frayed arm holes with missing sleeves and shattering along the silk front insert (see close-ups). This is truly a wonderful piece of Victoriana wearable beaded art!

From Me:

One of the quintessential parts of 1890's dress beyond the sleeves is the ridiculous neck and butt bows. This bodice may no longer have sleeves, but it has the required bows.

1895 Fashion Plate


In the above fashion plate, you can at least see the neck bow. It started to be a thing a year before.

I do love that this is from B'more right on Charles street. :-) I went to college in B'more right off of North Charles St.

2 comments:

  1. Swoon! The beading!
    Ha! Your description of 1890s ridiculousness check list is spot on. I have not yet worked up the guts to do a dress complete with a huge bow behind the neck and at the butt (though leg-o-muttons sleeves, mega-lapels, and ridiculous hat: check), but I'm getting there!

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    1. Isn't the beading fabulous? The style of beading - using the steel beads- continued to be popular right into the 1920's.

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