This early 1860s evening gown is made of pink silk moiré, trimmed with black velvet, blond and black lace (probably machine made), and sheer silk.  It is probably in two parts, with a seperate bodice and skirt.  The skirt is tightly gathered in to the waist with tiny pleats.  There is slightly more fullness at the back of the skirt than the front, as fashion transitions from the bell shaped hoop of the 1850s to the elliptical shape of the 1860s.  The bodice sits off-the-shoulders, creating the sloped shoulder silhouette that was fashionable at the time.

It’s cold and winter-y and rainy here in NZ, and I planned to find something deliciously floral and summery and light to show you for this week’s Rate the Dress, but somehow my inspiration lists and boards just did not supply.  Instead this week’s pick is dark and lush and winter-y. Perhaps that will appeal to those of you suffering with hot weather?  You can dream of a time cool enough to wear it… Last weeks (ish) rating:  an 1890s tea gown in the aesthetic style Most of you liked last week’s dress, but few of you loved it.  It was just…nice.  But not amazing. The Total: 7.9 out of 10 Nice.  Not amazing. This week: an early 1860s formal gown in brocaded silk. The museum listing for this gown describes it as an evening dress, but, despite the lush brocaded fabric, I think it’s actually a formal afternoon dress.  The high neck and long sleeves are more consistent with daywear than evening wear in the late 1850s and early 1860s. The fabric is definitely …