Antique-Gown

 
It gradually became more acceptable for women to participate in sporting activities throughout the second half of the 19th century. Clothing requirements for most sporting remained strict towards retaining foundation garments such as corsets and bustle, which were thought to stabilize women's frail and weak forms. This example would have been worn for yachting or general seaside walking. Striped textiles were fashionable for such activities, probably due to the nautical theme and their jaunty air which inspires vigor.

This dress is a 2 piece summer outfit with black and white striped silk. The bodice is adorned with standup lace collar, large appliques, lace sleeves and with fabric colored buttons. Bodice is lined with white cotton and silk and sewn in inner stays and has a front hook and eye center closures with vertical pleats on either side of opening to exaggerate the front bodice. Hand stitched as well as mostly machine sewn. The full skirt large open pleating at hem line, and is unlined. The outfit is in very good condition. No major discoloration or underarm stains on the bodice. Some shredding in lining of bodice. No repairs. The skirt is in very good condition, no inner lining and no holes or staining.

Recently deaccessioned from the Rochester Historical Museum of Rochester, N.Y. and retaining its catalog identification string tag as well as a sewn in cloth label with its museums catalog identification number. The decoration is not included.

Matching the dress is ai stosh hat with an ostrich feather. Parisian label. Very well preserved. We have added the umbrella, which has probably been restringed in parts.

Bust: ~ 88 cm
Waist: ~ 64 cm
Length: ~ 144 cm