Description:
Woman's back-fastening gown made from a shot or changeable plain weave silk (with a blue warp and a peach weft). This simple intersection of the yarn binding created a dynamic visual effect to an otherwise plain textile. The garment's construction features a square neckline, high waistline, and detachable long sleeves. Basted onto the dress, the straight-cut sleeve extensions provided a more formal daytime garment. When removed, the garment became an evening gown suitable for a or ball or gathering.The gown illustrates the trend for the gradual return of silk in fashionable dress construction by the second decade of the 19th century. It may have been worn in New England, and is certainly illustrative of the kind of more formal dress worn by women here at this time.
Label Text:
Despite the popularity of white cotton for women’s dresses in the first decade of the 19th century, colored silk remained a viable option for evening dress and better daywear. This example was made with matching long sleeves for day, which could be removed for more formal evening occasions. Relatively easy modifications like this extended the usefulness of a garment made from costly fabric.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2016.28.2 |
