Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Walking suit, two piece sapphire blue velvet (c. 1887) #308

#308





Walking suit, two piece sapphire blue velvet, elaborately edged and trimmed with medallions of iridescent passementerie. An outstanding example of the opulence associated with the "Gilded Age," this dress also features the final stage of the bustle, characterized by an exaggerated form. It extended horizontally from the small of the back and was supported by an intricate system of tapes, with a metal coil device attached to the waist.  (c. 1887)