P87.20.38

Images (10)

Designing Women_10 Left to Right: Robe à la Française, France, 1760-1775 (2017.2.1); Madame Hardy, Afternoon Dress, Paris, circa 1877 (83.16.10); M. A. O’Connell, Day Dress, Newburgh, New York, circa 1887 (P87.20.38); Round Gown of “Silver Muslin”, Possibly New York State, 1795-1800 (2018.16.1); Nightgown, New York, 1907 (82.91.1)

Designing Women_12 Left to Right: M. A. O’Connell, Day Dress, Newburgh, New York, circa 1887 (P87.20.38); Round Gown of “Silver Muslin”, Possibly New York State, 1795-1800 (2018.16.1); Nightgown, New York, 1907 (82.91.1)

Arbiters_56 Left to right 92.100.1 (textile wall), P87.20.38 (dress), U.406 (tiered skirt dress)

Arbiters_39 Left to right P85.35.19 (hat case), 73.40.1 (dress), 75.109.65 (textile wall), 2008.46.1 (velvet dress), 73.40.5 (suit), 92.100.1 (textile wall), P87.20.38 (two tone dress)

Arbiters_40 Left to right 75.109.65 (textile wall), 2008.46.1 (velvet dress), 73.40.5 (suit), 92.100.1 (textile wall), P87.20.38 (two tone dress), U.406 (tiered skirt dress), 79.153.17A (book case)

Object: Dress

Designer: M.A. O'Connell

Date: c. 1887

Medium: Aqua silk jacquard, cream silk moiré taffeta, and patterned silk net

Country: USA

Credit Line: Museum purchase

Object number: P87.20.38

DescriptionTwo-piece dress in pale aqua blue floral brocade, ivory silk moiré, with ivory silk net; boned bodice with net band collar inset, moiré mock lapels, low square neck; 3/4 sleeves puffed at elbow, with net cuffs; matching full skirt has moiré front, brocade streamers, deep pleats and bustle back with train; matching bow in aqua and cream silk ribbons;

Label Text:This two-piece dress was made by Mrs. M.A. O’Connell, a dressmaker and dressmaking teacher in Newburgh, New York. Designed in the Louis XVI revival style, the dress appropriates elements of eighteenth-century fashion, including the puffed sleeve and squared-off bodice of the robe à l’anglaise. The floral-patterned fabric was inspired by Marie Antoinette and tinted in her favorite color palette. By working in this style, Mrs. O’Connell identified herself as having a highly refined sense of fashion.

Exhibitions:

Designing Women: Fashion Creators and Their Interiors
Arbiters of Style