Antique-Gown

 
Evening dress from the crinoline period, ca. 1860. Origin: England. The fabric is a violet-lilac (mauve) moiré silk.

The first artificial aniline pigment, mauveine, is named after this color. It was discovered by chance in 1856 by the British chemist William Henry Perkin. Shortly afterwards, a large number of artificial dyes were developed, revolutionizing the dyeing industry. In 1858, the first fabrics were produced in mauve. "Mauve, or violet colored silk" was mentioned by name in Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine from 1858 to 1869 as the fashionable color of the better people. When Queen Victoria wore a silk dress dyed mauve to the wedding of her daughter Victoria in 1858, the color was widely reported and described.

The skirt of this beautiful evening dress falls in the manner of 1860s skirts. Subtle train. The skirt is decorated with a large bow. This in turn is decorated with lace. No lining, as these skirts were worn with petticoats over the crinoline. The top is made in the style of a berthé. A berthé is a collar that covers the décolleté (which runs round). Bedfordshire Maltese lace is attached to the bodice. The lace is complemented by cream-colored net tulle and black velvet. Lined with cotton on the inside. Cap sleeves with the same decoration. Lacing at the back. In very good condition. Subtle discoloration (especially) in the hem area. Several small, round holes, but these disappear (almost completely) in the folds.

Chest: ~ 80 cm
Waist: ~ 61 cm
Front length: ~ 140 cm
Back length: ~ 165 cm