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Metadata
Catalog Number |
2012.1.0102ab |
Object Name |
Dress |
Date |
1882 |
Description |
This two-piece (bodice a, skirt b) silk plush velvet blue walking suit is reputed to be the outfit that Bessie wore to travel to Niagara Falls for her honeymoon. The suit was made at Mrs. N. G. Kirkbride's Salon in Philadelphia as part of Bessie's trousseau. The outfit is made of dark blue silk velvet fabric with dark blue silk faille accent fabric and dark blue silk taffeta lining and facing fabric. The skirt has silk rope crisscrossing down a silk satin panel on the front, ending in twisted silk tassels; and the back has a large flat bow at the waist to accentuate the bustle. The underskirt is silk with two tiers of pleated silk at the hem. The hip-length bodice is buttoned with mother-of-pearl carved in two layers. The hem is crenellated, and the back has a peplum with bow detail. Originally it had a lace collar and cuffs. Construction: The skirt hem is faced with stiffened, undyed cross-barred muslin and olive green, bias-cut plain weave cotton or linen. Hem is bound with narrow medium blue wool tape. Dark blue silk roping (1/2" diameter) is laced down center front, terminating in blue silk tassels. Skirt is both hand and machine-stitched. Velvet skirt has center front lacing detail and crenelated hem. Velvet skirt back is draped and bustled. Two rows of silk faille pleated frills are stitched under velvet skirt at hemline. Skirt has hook and eye closure at waist. The bodice is both hand and machine-stitched. Center front, buttoned opening has carved and painted shell buttons and fold-over collar. On the outside, two metal eyes are stitched to the back neck edge, hidden by the folded collar. Crenellated hem in front and at sides; back has peplum with bow detail. Interior boning is stitched along seam lines and darts. Fitted sleeves are full length. |
Maker's Information |
Mrs. MG. Kirkbride/ 848 North Nineteenth Street/ Philadelphia.PA. Partial interior waistband has muslin patch tacked to it with "1895" written on it in ink. |
Materials |
Velvet/Silk/Taffeta |
Condition |
Very Good |
Associated with |
Bessie Pardee Van Wickle McKee Fox |
Search Terms |
Winter Dress Suit Outfit Walking Wedding Trousseau |
Catalog Sub-category |
Clothing -- Outerwear |