AFTERNOON DRESS

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

This Edwardian afternoon gown was worn by Mrs. Post when she became engaged to Edward Close in 1903. The pink taffeta dress is built on a silk foundation with bust enhancement and nine boned corsetting from under bust to hip. The high, boned collar and neck yoke of ribbon like organza with white crochet work are backed with silk organza. Dagged lace hangs from the neck yoke, partially obscuring three bands of cording and pleated taffeta. Elbow length sleeves are constructed on a narrow inner sleeve over which three puffed layers of lace trimmed silk organza are attached with pink crochet thread. The skirt is built on a silk taffeta understructure. The banding used on bodice is repeated at the waist, above the knee, and at calf area. Knife pleated taffeta with an overlayer of lightweight silk chiffon form the bottom section of the skirt. The accompanying pink taffeta petticoat was probably a "stock" item not actually made by the dressmaker. Unlike the dress it is completely machine constructed. The petticoat is fitted at waist and smooth to knee, where a band of pin-tucked taffeta is attached. A cutwork lace diamond pattern is followed by a band of machine pleated taffeta edged with lace at hem.

Object name:

AFTERNOON DRESS

Made from:

Silk taffeta -- silk organza -- lace

Made in:

USA

Date made:

1903

Size:

H. 16 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 18 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 24 in. (waist circumference); H. 44 in. (waist to hem front); H. 55 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 160 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.14.1-2

Signature marks:

TAG: Dress I was wearing when I became engaged [attached to eye at back closure, in MMP's handwriting]

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973