1850-60s reproduction mid-Victorian style evening dress / ball gown worn once
at a Gaskell Ball fancy dress Victorian dance. The fabric is so dark that it looks black.
Taffeta is still somewhat crisp. It will crinkle and become more limp with washing and over time.
Stars were safety pinned onto the
dark navy dress and can be removed. Dress was too long for me so should fit a regular sized person over a hoopskirt.
Items constructed for this costume:
Dark navy polyester/sythetic taffeta over heavy cotton, boned, off-the-shoulder bodice with
back lacing through buttonholes, white polyester satin pleated bertha over a dark red satin,
white piping with dark red lace around neckline, white polyester sheer puffed sleeves, back placket modesty panel,
ribbon drawstring on top bodice. White satin ribbon trim on oversleeves.
Pattern: Simplicity 5724.
This pattern has very limited arm mobility. Arms end up in a down
position which was very fashionable at the time. Changed the
undersleeve to a gathered puff which gives a little more movement but arms
still cannot be moved above the head.
Bust closed: 38"
Waist closed: 29.5-30"
Modesty panel and lacing allows +2"
Dark navy polyester/synthetic taffeta
skirt with hidden side pockets under flounce slit, gathered set in waistband, and back hook
and eye closure.Three tiers of flounces on gathered skirt. White satin ribbon trim on
Completed: October 2015