Early Bustle Era Dresses 1868-1876
The following are examples of some of my designs from this era.
1868 Evening Dress
Actually this dress was made for Shirley Hamilton who portrays Adah Issacs Meinkein
and was taken from a design in my 1868 Lady's Friend. It is very theatrical with the front lace closure and very
slimming as well. The neckline is open and the sleeves are quite unusual and quite particular to a short time frame
from about 1867-89. It was a look back at a "classical style" for the time and oh so appropriate for
a lady who made her living in the theater.
A Ballgown Circa 1868
This dress is a ballgown for the same lady/character as above. They do alot of mounted
"shows" not exactly my preferred use for a ball gown- but as I said before Adah was not a conventional
lady of the 1800's. The hat is not mine- This gown has a basque bodice and a pleated pelerine that ties and cascades
down the front. The overskirt is cut in one piece and was a very odd shape to work with but the results were very
good.
A Ballgown- circa 1867-69
Late 1860's Ballgown
Adah's wardrobe one more time. This dress is made of China silk in a periwinkle and marine colors and is accented
by pink roses. It is a 3 piece dress with a skirt, overskirt, and bodice. The bodice is fully boned and lined with
heavy fabric to give support to the delicate silk. The soft floaty effect of the silk gives it a lovely overall
look
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