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The dress seen from the side. -
The dress seen from behind. -
The front of the bodice. -
The short puff sleeve is trimmed with tulle. -
The lining of the bodice with metal boning. -
The fabric is pleated to create volume over the bustle.
Evening dress, 1870s
The bust is important, but the focus was, above all, on the bottom. A bustle was used to build up the area, and several layers of fabric helped create volume.
The woman was considered a fine piece of jewellery and it was important for eligible ladies to look good. Hence the bust and bottom were emphasised. They were meant to catch the eyes of men and encourage them to ask for a dance, and perhaps at a later date even for their hand in marriage.
A two-piece, silk taffeta evening dress with flowers woven into the fabric. The bodice is tight, with short puff sleeves edged with ruched tulle. The neck is cut wide, from shoulder to shoulder. The dress has a train and is held out at the rear by a bustle. The bodice has metal boning and corset-style fastening to the back.
Material
Silk
Length
Bodice 19 cm, skirt front 115 cm
Technique
Taffeta, tulle
Inventory number
KM 86805