Question by Trish:

I picked up this lovely gown at an antique shop and it was labeled "Edwardian". I have no further knowledge or history. I specialize in quilts and linens, but when I came across this beautiful gown, I couldn't resist it.

It is in wearable condition if you are a super model with a 20" waist. I believe that the corseted back has had the metal thingy's replaced as they look new. There are black snaps under the corset. There are bones in the waist. The inside seams are finished with black/grey stripe ribbon. The waist is quite small and my dress form was too big, so it is barely closed in the back.

The skirt is tiered, and has bows and glass beadwork fringe completely around it. Under the skirt, please see the picture of the ribbon and black tulle. The 2nd to the last picture is a close-up of the bottom of the tier, the last picture is a close-up of the glass beadwork at the waist, there does seem to be some missing beads.

Reply from Dress Detective Lisa at Bustledress.com:

About the velvet...I need for you to look closely here. Is it a very thin velvet or thick? Is the pile looped at the fabric edge ends, or cut at the edges? Does the velvet seem formless, drape able and soft- very flowing to the touch so that if you hold it pools all over, or a bit stiffer in texture with a cotton back or twilled back? Does it seem to have a rayon back? Or is it really stiff face and a bit scratchy, as if a velvet mixed with mohair? Does it all over appear to be a silk velvet, cotton velvet or rayon velvet, or a mixture?