Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown back
Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown

1850-60s reproduction mid-Victorian style evening dress / ball gown worn once at a Gaskell Ball fancy dress Victorian dance. The fabric is so dark that it looks black. Taffeta is still somewhat crisp. It will crinkle and become more limp with washing and over time. Stars were safety pinned onto the dark navy dress and can be removed. Dress was too long for me so should fit a regular sized person over a hoopskirt.
Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Right Quarter Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Front Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Left Quarter Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Left Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Back Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Right

Items constructed for this costume:

Bodice

Dark navy polyester/sythetic taffeta over heavy cotton, boned, off-the-shoulder bodice with back lacing through buttonholes, white polyester satin pleated bertha over a dark red satin, white piping with dark red lace around neckline, white polyester sheer puffed sleeves, back placket modesty panel, ribbon drawstring on top bodice. White satin ribbon trim on oversleeves.

Pattern: Simplicity 5724.
This pattern has very limited arm mobility. Arms end up in a down position which was very fashionable at the time. Changed the undersleeve to a gathered puff which gives a little more movement but arms still cannot be moved above the head.
Measurements:
Bust closed: 38"
Waist closed: 29.5-30"
Modesty panel and lacing allows +2"

Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice Right Quarter Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice FrontReproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice Left Quarter Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Left Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Back Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Right Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice bertha detail Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice lacing detail Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice sleeve detail Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Bodice inside detail

Skirt

Dark navy polyester/synthetic taffeta skirt with hidden side pockets under flounce slit, gathered set in waistband, and back hook and eye closure.Three tiers of flounces on gathered skirt. White satin ribbon trim on skirt tiers.
Measurements:
Waist: 29"
Length: 42-42.5"
Circumference: 129"
Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Skirt Front Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown Skirt Back Reproduction Mid Victorian Dark Navy Ballgown skirt hidden side pocket detail

Completed: October 2015