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Materials: Powder blue floral damask crepe,
cream silk satin, cream silk faille, blue and cream silk ribbons, blue
and cream silk fringe and looped trim, Valenciennes lace, 9 mother of
pearl buttons, brass hooks and eyes. Linings: bodice, cream silk twill
and covered round lead weights; skirt, cream silk faille, buckram and
cotton lawn/Val lace underskirt. Separate gloves/sleeves: powder blue
kid leather.
Provenance: Gown with leather fingerless
gloves/sleeves purchased in France;
family provenance not known.
Condition: Excellent. On the back of the
bodice there is a very faint stain and two tiny (1/4") worn spots
in the satin. The Val lace neck ruffle and lawn under skirt were removed
in the recent past and laundered.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh,
14"; B, 36"; W, 24"; Slv L, 13"; Polonaise L,
70". Skirt: W, 25"; Front L, 43"; Back L, 68".
Comments: So many details stand out on
this elegantly designed and masterfully constructed bustle gown. First,
the color combination is a powder blue contrasted with a peach-tinted
cream. This color choice is repeated in the body of the gown as well as
in the ribbons, fringe, pleated hem ruffle (11 rows deep!) and all
surface trims. The bodice's polonaise is unusually long; it cascades
down the full length of the back of the bustled skirt and train. Bustle gowns in
pastel colors have become a rarity; a gown of this quality might
not be available again for quite some time. Also included with this gown
is a pair of powder blue kid sleeves; very chic!
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