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Materials: Bodice: Cream silk
velvet cut to satin, 16 crochet buttons, faux pearls on wire, pleated
silk tulle, 12 baleen stays, tan silk faille lining, cream silk satin
lining, cotton and linen petersham, ivory silk ribbon, brass hooks and
eyes, two round metal dress weights. Skirt: Cream silk velvet cut to
satin, cream silk satin; Skirt Linings: tan silk faille, stiffened
gauze, white cotton binding tape, bobbin lace and embroidered net lace,
elastic tape in bustle casings, brass hooks and eyes.
Provenance: Wedding gown
belonged to Alice Faye Otis. Alice Faye was born in 1858 to a prominent
Boston family (d. 1909). In 1884 she wed Dr. Walter Otis. Dr. Otis took
his bride to Vienna, Austria where he set up his practice in psychiatry.
The Otis' entertained lavishly and traveled often between Boston and
Vienna.
Label: Stamped in gold on ivory petersham, "L.P. Hollander & Co. BOSTON". Same text is
woven red on white silk on the front of the skirt's waistband.
Condition: Excellent to Perfect.
Some pearls are missing here and there; under the back of the collar
there are two tiny dark smudged stains; only blemish on the skirt are
two tiny 1/4" brown stains at the end of the train. Tulle cuffs damaged.
Originally there was probably a silk tulle ruff around the collar to
match the cuffs. No holes or tears anywhere, no worn spots. The outer
fabrics and linings are in immaculate, like new condition.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh,
11"; B, 33"; W, 22.5"; Slv L, 17". Skirt: W,
22"; Front L, 44.5"; Train L, 100.5"; Hem C, 87".
Comments: L. P. Hollander & Co.
was an exclusive clothing emporium with shops in Boston, Newport, and
Paris. Alice Faye most likely had her wedding gown custom made for her
by the couturiers at Hollander's. The Otis' must have had their wedding
in autumn or winter of 1884; the gown's fabrics are too heavy for a warmer
season. The cream silk velvet fabric is incredibly beautiful; the
background satin perfectly sets off the intricate floral velvet pattern.
With the tight fitted bodice, exaggerated back bustles and regal train,
Alice Faye must have made quite an impression as she walked down the
aisle. As wonderful as the outside of this gown is, the interior is equally
breathtaking. Hundreds of yards of lace are worked into the pleated
flounces on the train's lining. Near perfect condition, American
provenance, sumptuous
fabrics and dramatic silhouette combine to make this a premier quality bustled
wedding gown.
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