This is a spectacular late-19th-century two-piece ensemble, crafted in sumptuous deep sapphire blue velvet with an incredibly dramatic silhouette. The set consists of a fitted bodice and coordinating full-length skirt, constructed to be worn together, with the top half securing directly into the skirt at the waist with small internal buttons and attachment points to help the two pieces sit together as one continuous garment. The bodice is beautifully structured with an exceptionally fitted waist and dramatic long sleeves. The shoulders have wonderful volume, with rows of diagonal pleating and gathering across the upper sleeves that taper into long, closely fitted forearms before finishing in flared, turned-back cuffs. Short velvet panels frame the front of the bodice almost like a small bolero or jacket, emphasizing the narrow waist and exaggerated shoulder line. At the center is a delicate sheer blue silk or chiffon inset, softly gathered and ruched across the bust with a finely gathered neckline. Beneath and above it is an extraordinary cream lace front and high standing collar. The lace features intricate openwork mesh. Despite the age of the garment, the lace itself remains in excellent condition and is an especially beautiful surviving element of the piece. A wide deep-blue silk or satin waistband wraps the waist in soft horizontal folds, finished at the side with a sculptural floral detail. The interior reveals the kind of construction that makes an antique garment like this so fascinating, including a lightweight cream lining, extensive hand stitching and finishing, internal reinforcement, hook-and-eye closures, and the original attachment points that connect the bodice and skirt. The interior also shows some wear but does not affect the construction of the garment! The coordinating skirt is made from the same rich blue velvet and has an exceptionally full, sweeping silhouette. Long vertical panels create beautiful fullness while allowing the heavy velvet to fall gracefully from the fitted waist. The simplicity of the skirt balances the elaborate construction of the bodice and really showcases the depth and changing tones of the velvet as it catches the light. The ensemble has been photographed with three crinolines underneath to showcase its dramatic period silhouette. The three crinolines are not included with purchase. Condition is remarkable considering the ensemble’s age, though it does have age-related wear that should be noted. There is a tear at the left shoulder of the bodice, as photographed, as well as a rip to the left side of the skirt near the waist. There is additional deterioration and tearing to the delicate sheer layer beneath the lace at the bodice front; importantly, the ornate cream lace itself remains in excellent condition. The interior lining shows age, discoloration, scattered marks, visible hand stitching, and general wear consistent with a garment well over a century old. The lace neck collar connects in the back, the hooks are still in place but she will need the loops replaced. Please refer closely to photographs for condition. A truly special piece of late-1800s fashion history, with its jewel-toned velvet, dramatic sleeves, beautifully structured waist, high lace collar, sheer gathered bodice, and elaborate internal construction!
Measurements: Bust 36”, Waist 27.5”, Shoulder 13”, Sleeve 23”, Shoulder to Waist 14”, Skirt Waist 26”, Waist to Hem 40.5”
All sales final: It is our mission to disclose all issues found, but all of our items are vintage - which means most of them have been worn or used and may have minor issues. In the event that we have overlooked an issue, it is not because we misrepresented the item, it is because the issue was not apparent enough to demand our attention. We can only apologize for our oversight and hope you can repair the issue, but we do not accept returns for items we have photographed & listed on our website.
This is a spectacular late-19th-century two-piece ensemble, crafted in sumptuous deep sapphire blue velvet with an incredibly dramatic silhouette. The set consists of a fitted bodice and coordinating full-length skirt, constructed to be worn together, with the top half securing directly into the skirt at the waist with small internal buttons and attachment points to help the two pieces sit together as one continuous garment. The bodice is beautifully structured with an exceptionally fitted waist and dramatic long sleeves. The shoulders have wonderful volume, with rows of diagonal pleating and gathering across the upper sleeves that taper into long, closely fitted forearms before finishing in flared, turned-back cuffs. Short velvet panels frame the front of the bodice almost like a small bolero or jacket, emphasizing the narrow waist and exaggerated shoulder line. At the center is a delicate sheer blue silk or chiffon inset, softly gathered and ruched across the bust with a finely gathered neckline. Beneath and above it is an extraordinary cream lace front and high standing collar. The lace features intricate openwork mesh. Despite the age of the garment, the lace itself remains in excellent condition and is an especially beautiful surviving element of the piece. A wide deep-blue silk or satin waistband wraps the waist in soft horizontal folds, finished at the side with a sculptural floral detail. The interior reveals the kind of construction that makes an antique garment like this so fascinating, including a lightweight cream lining, extensive hand stitching and finishing, internal reinforcement, hook-and-eye closures, and the original attachment points that connect the bodice and skirt. The interior also shows some wear but does not affect the construction of the garment! The coordinating skirt is made from the same rich blue velvet and has an exceptionally full, sweeping silhouette. Long vertical panels create beautiful fullness while allowing the heavy velvet to fall gracefully from the fitted waist. The simplicity of the skirt balances the elaborate construction of the bodice and really showcases the depth and changing tones of the velvet as it catches the light. The ensemble has been photographed with three crinolines underneath to showcase its dramatic period silhouette. The three crinolines are not included with purchase. Condition is remarkable considering the ensemble’s age, though it does have age-related wear that should be noted. There is a tear at the left shoulder of the bodice, as photographed, as well as a rip to the left side of the skirt near the waist. There is additional deterioration and tearing to the delicate sheer layer beneath the lace at the bodice front; importantly, the ornate cream lace itself remains in excellent condition. The interior lining shows age, discoloration, scattered marks, visible hand stitching, and general wear consistent with a garment well over a century old. The lace neck collar connects in the back, the hooks are still in place but she will need the loops replaced. Please refer closely to photographs for condition. A truly special piece of late-1800s fashion history, with its jewel-toned velvet, dramatic sleeves, beautifully structured waist, high lace collar, sheer gathered bodice, and elaborate internal construction!
Measurements: Bust 36”, Waist 27.5”, Shoulder 13”, Sleeve 23”, Shoulder to Waist 14”, Skirt Waist 26”, Waist to Hem 40.5”
All sales final: It is our mission to disclose all issues found, but all of our items are vintage - which means most of them have been worn or used and may have minor issues. In the event that we have overlooked an issue, it is not because we misrepresented the item, it is because the issue was not apparent enough to demand our attention. We can only apologize for our oversight and hope you can repair the issue, but we do not accept returns for items we have photographed & listed on our website.
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