Name/Title
DressEntry/Object ID
2014.34.1Description
Cream colored wool dress with a printed floral pattern in yellow, orange, pink, and blue, The front of the bodice is gathered across the front and has a self-fabric band at the waist. Bodice closes up the back with 12 small buttons, reinforced with brass hooks and eyes. Three-quarter length pagoda sleeves. Full, round skirt with a pocket at the right front.
Garment is lined, the skirt with a light-weight glazed cotton. The sleeve lining is fine, but doesn't appear to have been glazed. Bodice is lined with two types of fabric, some a plain weave and some a twill. One narrow piece of boning at the center front, measured from the bottom of the waistband, 8 1/4" long. One on each side of the back opening.Dimensions
Length
58 inDimension Notes
Fabric panel width 25 1/4"Interpretative Labels
Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
The textile industry's long-standing fascination with printed flowers gained new momentum starting in the 1830s with technical improvements in printing that allowed floral prints to be mass-produced at lower prices. As demand increased, the variety of available prints expanded in response. By mid-century, there was a profusion of affordable floral-patterned fabrics on the market. This printed dress is typical of the styles of the 1850s, with a full, well-supported skirt and a round waistline. The sleeves are bell-shaped and open, ending at mid-forearm. Because of the fashion for shorter sleeves, separate undersleeves became increasingly common. The undersleeve--or engageante--is identified with the 1850s more than any other decade.