Mauve silk chiffon and charmeuse were used to construct this dress. It is lined in China silk. The pattern was recreated to accommodate a larger figure and different fabric choices. The sleeves of the blouse where cut with an underarm seam as opposed to one at the front quarter. The bolero front is cut in one piece because the diagonal seam across the bosom in the original was more visible in the pale charmeuse used for the reproduction than in the darker velvet in the original.
The fullness of the skirt was slightly more concentrated towards the back to better flatter a fuller figure. Finding an embroidered piece of bobbinet and period lace was difficult so plain bobbinet was used. Beading lacereplaced the fillet lace and two edging laces were used, both with floral motifs. The beading lace was further enhanced by securing silk ribbon underneath and a small off-white pearl stitched between each opening to make the beading lace more delicate; the resulting lace trim very successful. All lace trim was dyed off-white. Engraved mother-of-pearl buttons replaced the heavier beaded buttons.
© Denise Wagner, 2000