Not currently on display at the V&A

Evening Dress

1820-1823 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This evening dress of the early 1820s illustrates the popular decorative techniques of the period. Piping (very thin rolls of fabric) and thicker rolls were braided and intertwined and applied to the dress, along with pieces of fabric in the shape of leaves and petals. They were all made of the same silk of the dress. Silk lace also adorns the bodice. Etiquette of the period was very strict about the different styles of dress worn during the day and evening. Day wear always had long sleeves and high necklines. A lower neckline and short sleeves were appropriate only for evening dress.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk satin, trimmed with applied silk satin and bobbin lace
Brief description
Evening dress of silk satin trimmed with applied silk satin and silk bobbin lace, possibly made in Great Britain or France, 1820-1823
Physical description
Evening dress of pink-rose silk satin trimmed with applied silk satin and blond silk bobbin lace. The skirt is set smoothly at the front but is tightly gathered at the centre of the back and gored to flare at the hem. The dress fastens at the back with hooks and eyes. Puffed sleeves, medium high waist and square neck.
Dimensions
  • Length: 14.8cm (length of bodice)
  • Length: 127.3cm (Centre front)
  • Circumference: 70.5cm (waist)
Credit line
Given by the Hon. Mrs Grisell Hastings
Summary
This evening dress of the early 1820s illustrates the popular decorative techniques of the period. Piping (very thin rolls of fabric) and thicker rolls were braided and intertwined and applied to the dress, along with pieces of fabric in the shape of leaves and petals. They were all made of the same silk of the dress. Silk lace also adorns the bodice. Etiquette of the period was very strict about the different styles of dress worn during the day and evening. Day wear always had long sleeves and high necklines. A lower neckline and short sleeves were appropriate only for evening dress.
Collection
Accession number
T.156-1962

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Record createdFebruary 15, 2003
Record URL
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