Two Piece Lavender Evening Dress, circa 1895. Satin, lace, chiffon, cotton, horsehair, brass, faille, tulle, metal, buckram, cambric. Collection of Shelburne Museum. 1987-34

Fabric: Lavender slipper stain. Ecru Battenburg lace. Cream colored tulle. Bodice: Completely lined with faille. All seams finished and boned. Back closure 21 brass hooks and eyes concealed by 7.75″ wide satin panel. Bodice shaped by 14 seams. 4″ x 5″ chiffon rectangle at neck framed by large Battenburg lace collar. High Edwardian neck trimmed with pleated tulle strip and caught center front to form pseudo bow. Lower bodice pointed front and back. Sleeves: Leg of mutton. Shirred from underarm to three quarter length and finished with a rolled and pleated strip of self fabric which is repeated at lower edge of bodice and trimmed with large bow center front and two small bows either side center back. Skirt: Bustle skirt completely lined in deep beige cambric. Horsehair tape at lower edge with 4″ handsewn and pinked balayeuse (dust ruffled). Back slightly longer than front. Heavy waffled buckram stiffening at center back to form bustle – 3 bustle tapes. Shaped or godet pleats to form bottom fullness.