Old Rags

After the Matinee by Armando Menocal, ca 1885-90 Spain or Cuba

Corset, 1890-95 England, the V&A Museum

Improvements in design, equipment and materials meant that corsets could mould the figure to suit the latest fashions. The straight busk on this corset creates a vertical line from bust to abdomen which complemented the less rounded, more angular silhouette of the 1890s. It was also supposed to relieve pressure on the internal organs while supporting the stomach. Shaped pieces (five on each side) have been seamed together and bust and hip gussets inserted to give the corset its distinctive shape. Strips of whalebone follow the contours of the hourglass silhouette, creating a rigid structure to emphasise the smallness of the waist. Each strip is enclosed in a bone channel formed by neat rows of machine stitching. The decorative embroidery stitches (flossing) visible towards the bottom and back of the corset prevent the whalebone from forcing its way out of these channels. A hook is attached at the centre front to prevent the petticoat from riding up and causing extra bulk at the waist.

Women’s housecoat, ca 1890 Japan, Les Arts Décoratifs

The museum doesn’t say whether this was made in Japan for the Western market, or if it was actually worn there.

Dress, 1888-92 France (Lyon), Les Arts Décoratifs

Evening coat by Worth, 1890 Paris, Shelburne Museum

I usually love anything by Worth (like a lot of you, it seems), but this one?  Maybe it’s just the picture, but idk.  Like eatoncrow said, the pattern makes it look like it’s covered in leeches.

Cape, ca 1890 (textile made in 1860’s, originally a piano shawl)

Bid here

Wedding dress, 1890 NYC, the V&A Museum

Boots, ca 1890 US (Los Angeles), LACMA

Girl’s dress, ca 1890 US, LACMA