Victorian and Edwarian

Mourning fashion came into being following the death of Great Britain's Prince Albert in 1861. His wife, Queen Victoria, went into a deep mourning and depression and wore her widow's weeds until her death in 1901.

Members of the lower classes, looking to emulate this proper and royal etiquette, adopted the queen's mourning traditions and hence Victorian mourning fashion came into being.

Given the extended duration of which Victorian mourning clothing was worn, it is becoming increasingly rare to find such exquisite wearable pieces such as this. This two-piece set is fabulous example of beauty and high-quality craftsmanship that went into a widow's weeds.

This ensemble is fashioned in a wonderfully patterned black silk featuring stripes, polka dots and acorn clusters. In Victorian times, acorns were thought to symbolize fertility, immortality and strength.

The bustle bodice is fully and firmly boned like a corset and lined in a brown glazed cotton. It fastens in the front with 17 hook and eyes. Seams are hand and machine sewn. It features a high collar and gigot, or leg-'o-mutton, sleeves. It also has a draped yoke piece that attaches in the front and is finished with a soft black velvet bow. A matching velvet bow is affixed to the nape of the neck on the high collar. 

The skirt is unlined in the front. The back bustle portion of the skirt is lined in the same brown glazed cotton. It is hemmed with thick black velvet on the inside seam. Skirt fastens with hook and eyes and is meant to be worn with a bustle (not included). 

** Please note: our model is wearing a corset and is 5'6" tall, which is considered quite tall for the Victorian era. Because of her height, the bodice and skirt lengths are shorter than they would be on a wearer of appropriate height. **

Measurements

Bust: 29"
Waist: 21"
Hips: 32"

** All measurements are taken on a flat garment and doubled **

Label: None

Condition:  Very Good

Despite the age, this piece is in remarkable, sturdy and wearable shape. With a few minor repairs, this dress will last another 100 years. The silk is starting to shatter on the edge of the collar and sleeve cuffs. (See photos) Both edges could be trimmed in a silk binding to repair the issue. There are no other rips, shreds or shatters to the silk. There is underarm staining on the lining, but it is not visible on the outside silk fabric. Priced accordingly. 

The term "Belle of the Ball" may have been invented for the lovely woman who wore this gown. Fashioned in a brilliant green silk taffeta, you are certain to garner attention the moment you step into a room. 

True to the time period, this elegant gown is fashioned in a more practical and simpler design. It has the classic bell-shaped silhouette with a bustled back (not shown). 

It has beautiful large puffed sleeves and a flattering V-shaped neckline, reminiscent of the popular styles of the Georgian period. 

The bustle bodice is fully and firmly boned like a corset and lined in a linen colored glazed cotton. It fastens in the front with 10 hook and eyes. Seams are hand and machine sewn, french seamed and trimmed with ivory silk.

The skirt also is fully lined in a linen colored glazed cotton. It is hemmed with thick navy velvet on the inside seam and has a scalloped ruffled silk trim also on the inside of the skirt. Neither feature is visible when worn. Skirt fastens with hook and eyes and is meant to be worn with a bustle (not included). 

Given the history and toxicity of green dye in the Victorian era, this dress has been tested for arsenic and the results were negative. 

** Please note: our model is wearing a corset and is 5'6" tall, which is considered quite tall for the Victorian era. Because of her height, the bodice and skirt lengths are shorter than they would be on a wearer of appropriate height. **

MEASUREMENTS

Bust: 28"
Waist: 20"
Hips: 32"

Label: None

Condition: Very Good

There are no major tears or shreds in the silk. There is one tiny shred starting on the edge of the V-cut neckline in the back. (See photo) However, it does have a few cosmetic issues. There is very slight underarm staining. You have to look very closely to see it. There are a number of small rust colored spots on the bodice and the skirt -- the largest measuring 2.25" by 1/2". Still a very wearable and striking ensemble. Priced accordingly. 

True to the time period, this striking autumnal gown is fashioned in a more practical and simpler design. It has the classic bell-shaped silhouette with a bustled back (not shown). 

The bustle bodice is made of a warm brown silk taffeta and is partially boned in the front. It is lined in a tan colored glazed cotton and fastens in the front with 17 ornamental buttons with steel cut beads. Seams are hand and machine sewn, french seamed and trimmed with light blue silk.

Bodice features a high collar and two-tiered full length sleeves. The lower portion of each sleeve is pleated and embellished with 2 covered buttons and decorative cording representing a mock buttonhole. 

The front bodice is decorated with elaborate beaded floral appliques in autumnal shades of coppers, red, browns and golds. The collar and nape of neck also are embellished in a similar fashion. 

The skirt is unlined, french seamed and trimmed with brown silk. The front panel of the skirt is embellished with complimenting beading, matching the bodice. One side of the skirt is adorned with six covered buttons and decorative cording. The waistband is interfaced with glazed cotton on top of a heavyweight woven cotton. Skirt fastens with hook and eyes and is meant to be worn with a bustle (not included). 

Ensemble also comes with a glazed cotton modesty blouse, which has a complimenting pleated brown silk dickie and a high collar. Blouse is sleeveless with an unfinished hem and fastens up the back with hooks and eyes. It is not visible when wearing the outer bodice. 

** Please note: our model is wearing a corset and is 5'6" tall, which is considered quite tall for the Victorian era. Because of her height, the bodice and skirt lengths are shorter than they would be on a wearer of appropriate height. **

Measurements

Bust: 28"
Shoulders: 11"
Waist: 21"
Hips: 32"

** All measurements are taken on a flat garment and doubled **

Label: None

Condition:  Good

There is slight underarm staining. Some of the beaded appliques on the bodice and the skirt need to be retacked. One of the sleeve cuffs has started to shred (see photo). The other sleeve has a shred beginning at the button detailing. Bodice is missing a button. The upper right shoulder is beginning to shred but has not separated. The skirt waistband has started to shred because of the weight of the beadwork and needs to be reinforced to prevent further damage. Skirt also has a few dark stains (see photos). Wearable as is, but with a little TLC, this piece could be revived. Priced accordingly.