COSTUMES
Nettleship and Co., Limited
England: London
Dress, evening: bodice (woman's)
1890 - 1895
Satin weave; Twill weave; Net, machine; Lace, machine; Applique; Beaded; Twisted; Embroidered
Silk satin; Sequins; Beads and beadwork; Metallic thread
School of Drama Collection, gift from the Phinney Family, 1951
TC 82.1-24, t1
Keywords: Lined; Hand sewing; Stays; Floral motifs; Tassels; Stitches: chain (tambour); Fashion designer

This dress exemplifies a certain fearlessness shared by designers and clients during the 90's - no fear to use color, glitter and candid grandeur; both parts and the whole, the details and the general effect were lavish. The sleeve ruffles, fichu drapery of lace, and the open front of the corsage are based on the Louis Quinze mode. The moderately wide front fullness of the skirt flows toward the back, and being heavily gored it falls in wide folds as a demi-train. The cost of such a toilette must have been considerable, and it was too striking to be worn often; but it was probably very rewarding to the wearer, nevertheless, on the two or three splendid ocasions on which she was able to make her effulgent appearance in it. -- Label copy for Victorian Elegance, Penthouse Theatre, March 10-30, 1979.