This day dress, designed in 1855, was produced with a combination of silk and wool fabrics. The silhouette can be described as a large, bell-shaped skirt, perhaps supported at the time by a crinoline cage, but more likely by a series of stiffened petticoats. The outspread skirt is contrasted with a loosely fit, pleated bodice, tied at the waist with a ribbon to accentuate the fullness of the garment’s lower half. The fabric is printed with vibrant blue floral, hatching and other small patte...
