Waist for Dress


Rose, green and brown plaid silk taffeta waist with short cap-like sleeves created with a double row of ruffles attached to the dropped shoulder. High round neckline. The waist - or bodice - is short in the back, but comes to a point in the center front. There is some boning and slightly padded over the chest to give a full rounded look. The bodice has a center front hook and eye closure and is lined with cotton twill. Photographed with 1968C 1868.19, a green and white fine gingham check weighted silk crinoline skirt with odd triangular pockets fringed on the bottom. Green silk fringe is also around the skirt circumference falling from a zig-zag patterned appliquéd bias strip of the skirt fabric and green silk cording on top. The same 2-inch bias strip of fabric surmounted with green silk cord is also at the hem. The fine silk bags against the muslin lining. Good condition.

These two items are put together, because the silhouette from the front is similar to the crinoline skirts from the 1850’s. This skirt no longer is made for a hoop. The fullness is starting to push to the back that will ultimately become the bustle. That can be seen from the side and back.


Provenance:
Olcott, Mrs. Irene Denby Mt. Vernon, NY

Construction Label:
NA



1959C 1850.55