Dress
Designer
M.A. O'Connell
c. 1887
Aqua silk jacquard, cream silk moiré taffeta, and patterned silk net
Museum purchase
Object numberP87.20.38
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.
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;Collections
Exhibitions