#2559 $875 Sold
Striped silk/velvet bustle dress, 1870s
This graphic bustle dress makes such a strong presentation that it could be the focal point of any collector's or museum display. The dramatic shape of the dress is enhanced by the strong chiaroscuro effect of the fine fabrics.
Note the moderate bustle size compared to the one in the American Centennial gown (1876). The contrast with the late bustle style is even greater. Many collectors find the bustle styles of the 1870s to be more graceful than those of the 1880s. The sweeping trains of the earlier bustle dresses minimize the "centaur" look of the later styles.
The two-piece dress is fashioned primarily from a splendid striped fabric of bronze/gold corded silk and black velvet. The skirt hem, pleated ruffles, cuffs, and bustle back trim are of matching black and gold satin. The bodice front inserts, skirt front pleated ruffles, and sweeping back train are fashioned from ecru silk faille.
The shapely, boned basque closes in front with crocheted buttons, all intact. The ensemble is meticulously constructed and finely finished on the inside with bound seams. The bodice is interlined with ecru cotton sateen. The skirt is lined with ecru cotton, while the bustle train is stiffened with buckram to hold its shape.
The condition is almost excellent. The dress looks like it was never worn. The pleated ruffles on the collar and cuffs are slightly frayed from storage. That is minor flaw in an exceptional period dress.
The basque measures: 34" bust, 24 1/2" waist, 14" from shoulder seam to shoulder
seam, 21" sleeve length, 19 1/2" center-front length, and 25" center-back length.
The skirt measures: 23" waist and 40" center-front length.
