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The dress seen from behind. -
The front of the bodice, trimmed with satin and lace. -
The lining with steel boning. -
Inner label: Ulla Möller Helsingfors. -
The lower part of the skirt.
18
Dress, 1906
At the turn of the 19th century, the ideal feminine shape could be likened to an ‘S’. The chest was supposed to swell in an even curve. The stomach was to be flattened, the waist emphasised and the derriere bolstered to form the lower part of the ‘S’.
This s-shaped form could only be achieved with the help of a corset which forced an unnatural curvature of the back.
This is a two-piece dress. It has a high neck and is richly decorated. The fabric is a cotton voile trimmed with satin and lace. The lining has steel boning. The dress was made by the owner’s sister, Ulla Möller, who had a sewing atelier in Helsinki, Finland.
Material
Cotton, silk
Length
Bodice 45 cm, skirt 142 cm
Technique
Voile, satin, lace
Inventory number
KM 53855.3