Dress
c. 1905
Blue silk velvet, blue soutache, and cream lace
Museum purchase
Object numberP84.20.1
By 1900, the fashion silhouette had shifted from emphasizing a full posterior to a prominent bosom. Bustles had fallen out of fashion and new “straight-front” or “s-bend” corsets (purported to be healthier than earlier corsets, though they were more uncomfortable) thrust the wearer’s chest forward, creating a “monobosom.” Intricate lacework and drapery were used to further enhance the bust.
DescriptionTwo-piece dress with two bodices in royal blue silk velvet. Bodice with velvet yoke, sleeves; trimmed with padded cream crochet lace insets; velvet bodice with blue soutache trim and chinoiserie embroidery CF, lace at yoke, cuffs. Gored skirt with soutache edged release pleats, back fullnessCollections
Exhibitions