👋 A B O U T

An exceptional survivor from the 1880's, this two-piece day ensemble is cut from shimmering aubergine silk taffeta that flashes rose in the light. The fitted bodice has a high officer collar, a curved basque front and box-pleated back tails. Fifteen gilt celestial picture buttons march down the front, each showing a crescent moon, a crowned face and a field of stars with iridescent recesses. They close through hand-worked purple twist buttonholes.

The skirt is the real showpiece. Knife pleats fall from a gathered waistband, and a swagged overskirt is pulled into a sculptural puff at the back, exactly the drama the period demanded.

The inside is just as good. The bodice is hand-finished with self-fabric bias-bound seams, silk tacking and a separate twill waist stay with hooks and eyes. Both pieces are constructed with selvage seams, a clear sign of a custom dressmaker's work. 

In overall excellent condition, remarkably clean and wearable for a piece so old. See notes on condition. 

 ✂️ M E A S U R E M E N T S

Bust: up to 32" / shoulders: 14.5

Waist:  up to 24"

Jacket Length: 18.5"

Skirt waist: up to 25"

Hips: open 

 Skirt Length: 40"

Fits like an extra small

Label: none, custom made by dressmaker 

Material: silk exterior, cotton backing 
Condition:  overall excellent, except for some small repairs made to the underarms where the silk was starting to break. See pictures. Not visible when worn of displayed. Slight discoloration under the arms. The rest of the garment is excellent with only minor signs of wear typical of age. Well over 100 years old, this piece is delicate and should be worn carefully. 

All of our pieces are thoroughly inspected and repaired by our in house professional seamstress prior to shipping to ensure your garment is in ready to wear condition upon arrival. We ship our items out on Thursdays. Please allow extra time for wedding dresses and large orders. 

*Please compare measurements to a garment you currently own to ensure proper fit! Please note: most of our pieces are clipped to fit our dress forms (bust: 34" waist: 23")



💖 F O L L O W

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