item number #SOLD1044
Magnificent Victorian 1887 WORTH style Paris style LILAC Bustle Gown Repro Production worn in Importance of Being Earnest
This is an especially wonderful and wearable Vintage English Victorian reproduction stage costume gown, coming straight from the collection of the world famous Oxford Playhouse Theatre (Oxford, UK). Their award winning theatrical costume company supplier ended its lease. They decided to sell their stock, so I purchased many gowns, which are just breathtaking in their uses of high quality fabrics, expert tailoring and often Victorian trims. Many of the gowns were used in famous plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Pygmallion Three sisters, and were often worn by world famous actresses such as Judy Dench and Patricia Healey. Often, these stunning gowns were rented out to the movie sets because of the expert tailoring and magnificent styling details by their prestigious designers. In many of the dresses, if there weren't something tipping me off toward the origin being a costume (and I didn't know where they came from), I'd almost swear they were the real deal-, the tailoring's THAT good- they spent the effort and made them utterly gorgeous- the very best. This is your chance to own the very finest of costumes- you don't want to miss this gown.
Sorry, I had to lighten the photos, but the velvet is a true midnight black- this gown looks MUCH prettier in person! This magnificent, especially beautiful vintage lilac "Paris styled" gown was worn by Barbara Murray, in the Production of Arms and the Man." It was meant to be an expensive French strolling gown, worn on the street, but I can see where this one of a kind beauty would make a spectacular tea gown, reception gown, promenade or tea gown- even a stunning ball gown.
It's VERY well made, of high grade, heavy-weight fabric of brilliant lilac/ pink sateen (kind of a twill satin, but extraordinarily softer than usually found. Shimmery and not glaringly glossy.) with a beautiful Victorian floral design of lilac bundles of lilac and reddish pink. It has rust, and violet velvet trimmed bows on the sheer, lilac pink silk Georgette sleeves and on the fitted and finely boned bodice- Metal boned and lined in heavy muslin as to be very substantial. Front bodice fastening with sturdy hooks and eyes, front princess pointed waist. Van Dyked coarse cream Quaker lace frilling trims the plunging sashed neckline, 3/4 sleeves, looping into turreted back bustle effect over thick, pink Faille corded Moire' silk underskirt. Dainty small "petal" rear peplum on waist with clever sweep of folds to side hips. Apron fronted skirt with asymmetrical front point, dipping onto the silk Georgette concertina chiffon pleating at hem. Split, pointed train, standing out regally about 2 feet from the body to stunning effect. Lilac and pansy flower bodice accent with velvet. Professionally finished and serged seams. Utterly divine. About a size 8.
Props, including bustle, necklace, mannequin wig and fan are not included, and are not for sale. This would be the best dress at a reenactment, play, Halloween, ball, dinner, or event like tea- just add plumed bonnet, gloves, necklace, broach, and parasol, you will be THE Gibson Girl everyone will wonder who her tailor is this spring!
Condition:
Whew! Are you still with me after all that writing? Well, here's very little to tell about the condition, but I'm picky so, here we go... Much effort was put into making this gown look this good! But, since it was worn in productions, the gown's not perfect-, but still extremely wearable and most presentable. Fine Stage makeup was lightly sprayed on the hem of the skirt and bottom lace/ pleating to simulate walking on a muddy street. It's not very noticeable, and probably would come out with cleaning. They also sprayed this on the pleated under silk under the lace on the bodice. Again, hard to see. Two very minor 1/4" mends on the silk Georgette sleeves. Shimmery bodice is has the lightest of the lightest soil on inner liner. I think it originally has a silk Georgette overlay that had been removed as I sometimes see bits of fine silk on layers, but it's again, very minor and could easily be removed. A few faint spots, soiled hem with a few tiny bites from wearing. Lots of living left in it! I consider this fine gown Excellent Condition, definitely wearable- fabulous!
This item is sold and no longer available.
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Estimated Current size Approx.:
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| Size | Shoulders | Bust=36." Bodice waist | Skirt Waist | Wear-ability | Underarm condition | Maker's Tags/ Marks | Estimated condition rating | Estimated overall condition scale of 1-10 | | Medium (9-10) | 12." | 28." | 27." | Wear Today. | Perfect. | Jean Lamprell. | NEAR MINT. | 9.9. |
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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