1770-1780. Red Silk Open Robe

Fitted pieced bodice with low square front neckline and fitted elbow length sleeves. Rectangular shaped inset on left and right fronts near armholes connect to shoulder sections. Center fronts extend below waistline. No fasteners evident to secure left and right front sections of bodice. Back bodice created from pieces with a center back seam extending to deep V shape and shaped side back pieces that connect to pieced front bodice sections. Bodice, front and back, is lined with plain weave medium weight linen. A strip of more tightly woven linen is used on inside top edge of front neckline.

Elbow length sleeves feature two tucks at inside elbow to shape sleeve. Sleeves also lined with plain weave linen. Sleeves generally set-in style with squarer rather than round sleeve caps, points of the squares pointing toward each other in back.

Skirt: Very full with small pleats (about 3/8") controlling fullness at bodice/skirt seam. Skirt does not meet at center front. Petticoat is needed to fill gap at front of skirt. Open slits with finished edges at left and right hip of skirt to allow hands to access pockets. Linen tapes sewn to waist seam and skirt panel allow creation of rear bustle or polonaise effect when tied together.

HCT.1988.318.130

1770-1779

This dress was purchased at auction.

sleeve=Fitted, dress type=Pannier, silhouette=Hourglass

fabric structure=damask, fiber content=Silk

1770-1779

Red dark