1890’s Evening Gown

December 2018

Based largely on the designs of Charles Dana Gibson around the end of the 19th Century, this project allowed me to conduct thorough research into the society and context of American socialites at the turn of the century, along with in-depth research into garments and construction methods of the time.

To ensure the silhouette and garments accurately recreate the period in question, I carried out research into each garment, including a few trips to the V&A Clothworker’s Archive in London to study extant garments.

The ensemble begins with the undergarments of a lightweight cotton, trimmed with cotton lace. The corset is an S-Bend based upon an extant garment and is made from a single layer of small weave coutil. It is flossed with silk thread to match the outer garments. The outer garments in question are made from silk backed on silk organza. It has draping and a faux lacing panel in the bodice, and a dust ruffle on the inside hem of the skirt, which was very fashionable during the period.

Modelled by Endrina Ibrahimi