Dress
c. 1865
Silk taffeta, satin, tulle, cording, tassels, and black silk ribbon
Gift of Mildred R. Mottahedeh
Object number75.227.41
Bare shoulders were typical of 1860s evening gowns, as in this sumptuously adorned example. Full skirts created the illusion of a narrow waist. Cage crinolines had replaced layers of petticoats as the way to maintain a skirt’s fullness, and many women (as well as men) enjoyed the flirtatious, ankle-revealing swing of a crinoline.
DescriptionCream silk taffeta two-piece dress; cap sleeved boned bodice has wide V-neck trimmed with pleated cream satin, tulle, black ribbon, cord and tassels; attached overskirt has draped panels caught with looped cord and finished with tassels; matching skirt has slight train, satin edged ruffle and silk cord at hem; matching sash has satin edged taffeta bow at center backCollections
Exhibitions