Dress
c. 1818
Silk satin
Museum purchase
Object numberP85.19.1
High-waisted, columnar dresses skimmed the curves of the body, clearly outlining the bust but ignoring the natural waist. The inset panels of finely pleated silk on the bodice of this dress further emphasize the shape of the breasts. Pale-colored fabrics, such as this aqua silk, were favored for their ability to reflect light.
DescriptionDress in pale aqua blue silk satin; empire waist lightly boned bodice has tucked insets along piped princess seams, rows of piping at neckline; short puffed sleeves have applied self motifs outlined in piping; long skirt has padded hem and elaborate applied self decoration edged in pipingCollections
Exhibitions