#2318 $2,300
Late Regency ruffled cotton pelisse, c.1820
The early 19th century silhouette required gowns of thin materials and with few warming petticoats. While shawls might ward off indoor chills, warmer garments were needed for the out-of-doors. The pelisse, a full length coat introduced in 1799 in England, won immediate acceptance.
The walking costume of the early 19th century consisted of either a short Spencer or an open-front pelisse worn over a lighter dress. Our lightweight cotton broadcloth pelisse was ideal for summer wear.
Although the pelisse seems unadorned, close inspection reveals exquisite hand detailing, like the sophisticated trapunto work on the back of the collar.
In contrast, the white-on-white design, broken only by the texture of the ruffles, conveys a naive innocence. The pelisse is open in the front with no closures. Everything is totally hand stitched.
Styles usually evolve rather than change dramatically unless there is a cataclysmic historic event, e.g., the French Revolution. As an example of evolutionary styles in the pelisse, consider one that I sold a few years ago.
It was also of white cotton with the same ruffled treatment on collar, hem, and front opening. However, that pelisse was dated c.1830. Over a 10 year period, the shape of the pelisse had evolved: the full gigot sleeves and fuller skirt now made a Romantic-period statement.
The condition is excellent.
It measures: 32" bust, 29" under bust, approximately 24" sleeve length (adjustable due to the turn-up cuff), 48" hip, and 47" from the shoulder to the hem.
