"MARIE ANTOINETTE" COSTUME

Currently in storage

About this object

This two piece tan and copper garment was custom designed as a Marie Antoinette costume for Mrs. Post. The bodice is constructed on a silk charmeuse foundation with two rows of gathered taffeta ribbon at center front and an interior waist belt. The foundation has short silk taffeta sleeves covered with tulle and decorated with grosgrain ribbon and ribbon roses. The bodice has a wide scoop neckline, short sleeves, and an extended at point at center front. Fabric along a center seam is gathered and ruched to create a pulled, diagonal effect. Wide, shaped lace is applied at the neckline, covering the upper portion of the bodice front, and continues over the shoulder and down the back of the sleeves. The lace is embellished with flat ribbon roses and cotton embroidered leaves and flowers. One piece, puffed sleeves are created by a series of gathers and tucks at the sleeve cap. Ten rows of covered cord decorate and stiffen the lower portion of the sleeve. The sleeves are finished with a wide band of shaped, gathered lace matching that used at the neck. The bodice overlaps at center back with a decorative dagged edge secured by a series of hooks and fabric loops. A decorative ribbon rose is aplied at the top of the closure. A series of metal hooks along the bottom edge secures the bodice to the skirt. The skirt is built on a silk taffeta underskirt with a single gathered ruffle and corded hem. Interior, covered elastic hip belts maintain the flat front of the skirt and extend the silhouette at the sides. Next, two layers of flesh toned crêpe are applied to the front of the underskirt. A third layer of flesh toned tulle creates the center panel of the outerskirt. This panel is decorated with flat gros-grain ribbon-work, ribbon roses, and cotton embroidery. Two rows of pleated self fabric and scalloped lace trim the lower portion of the panel.

Object name:: "MARIE ANTOINETTE" COSTUME
Made from:: Silk taffeta -- silk charmeuse -- lace -- ribbon
Made in:: USA
Date made:: ca. 1925
Size:: H. 16 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 16 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 24 in. (waist circumference); H. 42 in. (waist to hem front); H. 60 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 120 in. (underskirt circumference); Dia. 86 in. (overskirt circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:: 48.136.1-3
Signature marks:
Credit line:: Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973