Medium: Grey silk moiré

Date: c. 1860

Country: England

Credit: Museum purchase

The ripples and waves created by a lustrous grey, silk moiré fabric add depth and volume to this afternoon dress. Moiré dresses were coveted for their striking, complicated patterns as well as for the high quality craftsmanship required to match such patterns during construction of a dresses. The sheen produced by the fabric's "water" effect draws attention to the expansive width of the skirt, which is supported by a dome-shaped crinoline petticoat. The large pagoda sleeves, decorated with ivory cartridge pleated ribbon, mimic the wide sloping lines of the skirt, adding balance to a fashionably broad-based silhouette.

Object Number: 2006.56.3