Suit
c.1913
Brown cotton sateen, cotton floss, soutache cord, and tape
Gift of Lady Arlene Kieta
Object number2001.58.1
After 1880, women began regularly wearing suits during the day. Feminine high fashion ensembles mimicked masculine dress in that women's suits were often made of dark or lighter neutral-colored woolens and were accompanied by crisp white shirts; however, their jackets were matched with skirts in the popular styles instead of men's trousers. Ladies' suits frequently were ornamented with arrow-braided trimmings, or soutache, in colors that either matched or strongly contrasted with the ground fabric. The use of soutache referenced the military uniform - yet another male form of dress.
DescriptionWedding suit in tan cotton sateen embroidered with tan and olive cotton floss, soutache cord and tape, in symmetrical scrollwork, abstract floral and foliate designs and knots; elongated cardigan jacket with simulated vest and tails; floor length flared mock-wrap skirt with embroidered CF hem gussetCollections
Exhibitions