Sally C Designs

V-2790

Early 1880's Reception Dress

The fully lined, lightly boned bodice has a high V neckline that is edged with a tapered pleating of taffeta edged with black Venice lace. The sleeves come to below the elbow and are trimmed with a wide pleating of the taffeta over a gathered black Venice lace and then overlaid with the same lace that is at the neckline.

The bottom of this bodice comes to a V at the front, curves up over the hips and down again over the bustled skirt at the back. This is also edged with the Venice lace. This bodice buttons up the centre front with black buttons to close.

The fully lined, fairly narrow cut skirt has a pleated edged at the hem that is finished with a narrow lace overlay.

Then there is a full front overskirt that is gathered into the side seams and draped over the pleated under skirt.  A third layer has then been added to create a pannier effect. Both overskirts are edged with the Venice lace trim. 

The back of the skirt has an attached back overskirt that is gathered up to form a waterfall effect and this in turn is finished with a bow that holds the skirt toward the back and this lays over the bustle and just under the edge of the bodice.

It is made in a synthetic burgundy shot (iridescent) taffeta and lined in a med weight satin fabric. Content of the trims is unknown. Professional cleaning recommended.

It was photographed over my large bustle pad, available for purchase separately.

Size

Bust: 45ins / 114.25cm

Waist: 35ins / 89cm

Length: 42ins / 106.75cm

(from waistband to hem at the front and slightly longer at the back to accommodate the bustle pad).

Price  £450

This is an early 1880’s style ensemble that is eminently suitable for day time, afternoon tea dinner or the theatre, made in a rich burgundy shot (iridescent) taffeta trimmed with black lace.

Click on the images below to see larger scrollable pictures of this dress.

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