It never fails to amaze me the effort that Victorian and Edwardian women put into adorning their underwear. This is the most elaborate piece from this era that I have found. It's a corset cover and makes an absolutely gorgeous blouse for a lucky very small woman. You'll notice that it is too small for my mannequin, which is why it's open at the front.
Large panels of fine cotton lace have been inserted into the front and back of the top, as well as lengths of narrow lace pieced between the patchwork of plain fabric. Lace with eyelet ribbon holes trims the neck and armholes. Peach silk ribbon rosettes trim the front, back and sleeves. I have added the peach silk ribbon to the square neckline, where there would once have been something similar. The top has a split peplum, also trimmed with narrow lace. There's a hook and eye closure at the waist, and I have added the press studs to close at the front as the only original closure was the hook at the waist and the tie at the neck - a bit revealing if you're wearing it as a blouse. The fabric is a gauzy cotton muslin. Handmade or custom made garment - 1900s-1910s.
Measurements
Size - Extra Small
- Fits bust up to 81 cm (32") or a little larger
- Raised waist 61 cm (24")
- Length from shoulder to waist 33 cm (13")
- Total length 42 cm (16.5")
Condition
Good condition. Some light staining at the underarms, not noticeable when being worn. A couple of small mends in the lace and tiny holes in the lace, as shown. A faint spot on the back.
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