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Materials: Printed velvet cut to navy
satin, needlerun lace, ivory plissé silk neck ruff, bodice lining:
robin's egg blue silk faille, 13 stays, brass hooks, ivory silk
gros-grain petersham, 6 black dorset buttons on sleeves. Skirt lining: emerald
green shot silk faille with accordion pleated ruffle and pocket, metal
hooks and eyes.
Label: Stamped in green on petersham:
"Mm. Laferriere Robes & Manteau 28 Rue
Tailbout PARIS"
Condition: Perfect. Lace cuffs and neck
ruff should be laundered. Otherwise, this gown is in remarkable
condition.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh, 12.5";
B, 34"; W, 19"; Slv L, 31". Skirt: W, 19"; Front L,
41"; Back L, 45"; Hem C, 214".
Comments: The French couture house of
Madame Laferriere (1847-1912) was established in Paris in 1869.
Her establishment was on equal stature to the fashion houses of Doucet
and Paquin. Throughout the late 19th c. and into the early 20th c., European nobility
(Princess Mathilde & Empress Eugenie) and stage actresses custom ordered their
gowns, lingerie and evening wraps from Madame L. Everything about the
late 1893 visiting dress offered here says "French couture".
The fabric is absolutely stunning - photos do not do it justice. The
raised velvet botanical motifs have a soft flocked feel to them which
harmonizes with the watercolor effect of the printed velvet. The hand
finishing is superb quality from the notched and bound seams to the
metal hooks and eyes covered in buttonhole stitches. This gown is museum
quality.
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