Dress
c. 1895
Changeante silk faille and green cotton velvet
Museum purchase
Object number2019.83.1
Sleeves with puffs gathered into bands along the arm are known as the virago style. Although virago was a derogatory term used to describe a “masculine” or domineering woman, powerful figures such as Queen Christina of Sweden reclaimed its use during the early seventeenth century—the period during which these sleeves were first fashionable.
DescriptionRed and green changeante silk faille gown with gigot sleeves and fitted boned bodice, asymmetric pleated hook and eye front closure with green cotton velvet trim, collar, bands at lower sleeve, cufffs and hem; interior shoulder padding and muslin sweat guards, fully lined with brown muslin and red dust ruffle at interior hem, trained skirtCollections
Exhibitions