item number #SOLD1043
Victorian 1876-78 REALISTIC SILK MERMAID Natural Form gown Repro with Matching Bonnet
This is an unusually pretty and presentable, early Victorian 1876- 1878 day, tea, "best" or fancy dress. It can even be used as a wedding gown, re-enactment or Halloween. Unbelievably realistic looking, and to the touch, as the body shell is made of vintage French vanilla silk taffeta (has a pinkish ecru cast), the soft silk ruching is an exceptionally fine slub pure vanilla (slightly more yellowish) silk shantung, the ivory (slightly age darkened) vintage silk organza ruffles with yards of very strong yellowish- wheat Victorian silk faille bows and many, many beaded, ivory, dangle balls! Even the curling, flowered Alecon ivory lace, and beige pearls look Victorian! The cream modesty net at the neck and under the bustle is such a fine, soft poly it feels incredibly like silk as it's that fine. I'm kind of shocked came out this well myself : ) as I'm not a seamstress (I have dealt with vintage for 20 years though.) I restyled this gown from a silk 60's wedding gown for a friend to wear for a photo shoot. So, it's been worn exactly twice, but no matter-it is in very excellent condition. It easily could be worn many more times or even at a wedding as it is. For wearing I suggest a woman about a size 3, 5'6- 5'9", slender limbed woman (like arms), with a slender back and B- (small C) cup on top. No bustle is needed as it is built into the back. The dress comes with the matching silk and bowed bonnet, multiple vintage tiny flower clusters (one pinned to bodice has a lovely pink velvet bow.). I will also add some lace, taffeta scraps, silk scraps, ect. So you may be able to use that for a reticule or something else. Props such as the fan, gloves, necklace, wig not included.
This gorgeous princess lined gown is one piece, but is designed to look like two. Bodice is extremely fitted, and fully boned and lined (slightly padded on bodice) for body. It has a low, "scround" neckline, lined with vintage silk organza ruffles, three rows of smaller ruffles at the bustline with three lovely bows. Ruched silk lines the top of the taffeta, separated by more ruffles and beads looking like buttons. Armcycles are piped, the 3/4 length sleeves end in three rows of the silk chiffon, three bows each and the beaded dangle balls. Under the realistic faux "V" at the waist is a ruched apron, with rows of ruffles, and a lace panel that crosses the hips with dangles and bows. At the bottom of the slightly aysermetric apron is more dangles and bows. Two rows of extra fine silk pleats line the bottom.
On the back, it closes by the original metal zipper, has hooks and snaps at the bows. The soft bustle is made of the silk shantung, and waterfalls into lace appliqueed folds, and pleated gathers that make the sides sweep into the back. There, it has layers of netting, and more dropping bows. It holds its shape extremely well (see outside photo hanging on hanger.)
Condition:
Well, it's a very pretty gown and extremely wearable as I've said, but again, I am no seamstress, so it has a few very minor quirks that are not that noticeable. The lining/ bustle is just basted into the 60's yellow fiber lining. The weight of the skirt at the bustle makes it get a little tricky to zip at times there (or you could just remove the zipper and put in hooks and eyes if you want- to make it even more authentic) (this was just for a photo shoot, so time was a factor.) Cuffs and ruffles have a few yellowish spots (as do some of the streamers on the hat) not very noticeable. There's a few very faint, small and minor spots on the gown, but the silks are all healthy, shiny and strong- no weakness. I suggest having the eventual cleaning done at a dry cleaner's as you would with a silk taffeta anyway. In very excellent condition. A really great gown!
This item is sold and no longer available.
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Estimated Current size Approx.:
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| Size | Shoulders | Bust=32.." Bodice waist | Wear-ability | Underarm condition | Maker's Tags/ Marks | Estimated condition rating | Estimated overall condition scale of 1-10 | | Small(3-4) | 16." | 23." | Wear Today. | Perfect. | None. | VERY EXCELLENT. | 9. |
This item is sold and no longer available.
| Our Explanation of item's grading terms: | | MINT; | NEAR MINT; | EXCELLENT; | VERY GOOD; | GOOD; | FAIR; | POOR; | | Like brand new. | No noticeable stains or tears (or VERY tiny or FAINT), a gentle touch of wear. | Light wear, minimal faint stain or two, less than 1." Nothing distracting.
| Used gently, minor spots or wear. Sound structure. Nothing visually detracting. | Used, but still has life, spotting, wear or fraying. Visual problems but structure sound. | Used, so-so condition but usable, heavy spotting, fraying, still useful for the creative. | Heavily used, stained, worn or split, a pattern, project, or a cutter. |
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