Description: This dramatic black shirtwaist features the most stunning details for all your gothic Victorian dreams. The main body is made from black satin/polished cotton which is light and has a gentle sheen, ornamented with cream dotted black net and velvet down the centre front and on the stand up neck. Two bands run over each shoulder ornamented with velvet stripes, velvet flowers and tassels, tucking into a pleated velvet waistband with asymmetric bow at the front and at the back ending in a long double tail with even more tassels. The double layer sleeve has a pagoda shaped crepe oversleeve reminiscent of earlier nineteenth century styles, with velvet trim and tassels, with a cotton undersleeve trimmed in black net with larger metallic dots and a tier of smaller cream and black dot lace finished with a tight velvet cuff that closes with poppers.
The high neck fastens with hook and eyes at the back, while the upper layer of the bodice front fastens off centre with large hook and eyes, above a lower layer which also fastens with hook and eyes. Bodice and sleeves are lined with black polished cotton with hessian interfacing. The stand-up collar has four bones holding its shape. We have described this bodice as a shirtwaist as it features the pigeon breast shape common in circa 1900 blouses and bodices.
Please note this item has not been laundered due to it’s antique condition.
Fits like modern size S
Model Georgia is a size Small (S) with 92cm chest, 76cm waist, 97cm hip
Measurements (lying flat):
Shoulder to shoulder 36cm
Underarm to underarm 44cm
Waist 36cm
Shoulder to hem 37cm
Neck 15cm
Cuff 11.5cm
Manufacture: Machine and hand stitched
Provenance: New Zealand
Condition: (good-fair) There is one tear on the front righthand chest which is covered by the lapel. Parts of the internal lining is shattering but could be reinforced, mainly at the waistband and the internal closure where the hook and eyes are attached. The cream dot on black net is deteriorating in all locations, especially the undersleeves. We would recommend replacing this material on the sleeves with a similar material and restoring the stronger portions on the bodice and neck. One of the collar bones has snapped in half.
